Canada's trade deficit widened to Can$1.7 billion in December as rising imports outpaced exports, the government statistical agency announced Thursday.

The deficit was up from a revised Can$1.5 billion the previous month, said Statistics Canada.

Crude oil and crude bitumen as well as refined petroleum energy products lead the rise in imports.

Imports of lubricants, lead and zinc ores and concentrates were also up while imports of aircraft engines and parts, ships, locomotives, railway rolling stock, and rapid transit equipment fell.

Imports of motor vehicle engines and parts, trucks, buses, and passenger cars, as well as electronics were also down.

Canada meanwhile exported more copper ores and concentrates, diamonds, aircraft basic chemicals and lubricants.

But it sold less potash, canola, wheat, crude oil and bitumen, and natural gas abroad.