Exports dampened by lower energy prices and volatility in gold shipments
Overall manufacturing sales in constant dollars fell 2.0% in the month
The agency says the overall decline came as sales were down in three of the seven subsectors it tracks
February result weighed down by slumping fuel sales
Gasoline prices rose 4.5% compared with a year earlier
Total imports dropped 3.8% to $61.8 billion
Canada sees first decline in unemployment in over a year
Total exports fell 1.9% in December to $64.1 billion, led by reduced shipments of motor vehicles and parts
Softer job market conditions came as high interest rates continued to weigh on growth
Imports fell 2.8% for the month to $63 billion