As of February 2009, there have been remarkable changes in the foreign trade positions of Canada and the United States.  Canada usually runs a large merchandise trade surplus. During the past three months, however, that surplus has flipped over into deficit or a zero balance.  Meanwhile, the trend in the U.S.  has been in the opposite. The U.S.  for the past four years has experienced a huge goods and services trade deficit.  In the latest month, that deficit is down by more than two-thirds. This helps Washington with policy options. This report goes on to examine the implications for construction.