The graph showing Quebec’s trade with the BRIC countries shows the value of Quebec’s trade with Brazil, Russia, India, and China. The data is provided by the Institut de la statistique du Québec and is not deseasonalized. In addition, it is presented in current dollars. When comparing data over time, users should thus be aware that the changes observed refer to the value of trade, not the volume.

The “over 10 years” depiction shows all Quebec imports and exports with these countries.

The difference between total exports and total imports is the trade balance. If this balance is positive, the value of Quebec exports to the BRIC countries is higher than that of its imports from them.

A negative trade balance indicates that the value of imports exceeds that of exports. The graph thus shows that, since 1998, Quebec has had a negative trade balance with the BRIC countries.

If you choose to view the “by year” depiction, you will see a planisphere (a flat, two-dimensional projection of the world) covered with blue dots. When touched by your mouse, these dots will reveal a map of the country you are interested in along with two arrows and two values expressed in percentages.

The arrow pointing from Quebec to that country shows Quebec exports to that country. The value appearing next to the arrow is the weight of Quebec exports to that country as a percentage of all Quebec exports throughout the world.

The arrow pointing from that country to Quebec shows Quebec imports from that country. The value appearing next to the arrow is the weight of Quebec imports from that country as a percentage of all Quebec imports from around the world.

For example, in 2006, Quebec exports to China accounted for 1.2% of total Quebec exports, and imports from China accounted for 8.4% of all Quebec imports.