Canadian exporters are reporting widespread concerns about a global recession, with sentiment in the sector falling to the lowest level in seven years, according to a survey by the country’s export financing agency. Export Development Canada’s trade confidence index, a composite gauge based on a bi-annual survey of 1,000 businesses, dropped to 69.8, compared with 73.7 at the end of last year. It’s the lowest reading since 2011 and the second lowest since the last recession a decade ago. About a third of respondents predict a global recession by next year and just over 50 per cent see one by 2021. “Disruptive international trade policies have clearly shaken the confidence of Canadian exporters,” Peter Hall, chief economist at EDC, said in a statement.

Source: thestar June 13, 2019 11:03 UTC