Diversifying Canada’s
trade
How we’ll get there
We are diversifying our trade network to build a stronger and more resilient economy: expanding opportunities for Canadians and Canadian businesses.
We’re working to double non-U.S. exports in the next decade to create $300 billion more in trade.
Latest trade diversification news
What we’re doing
Expanding Canada’s trade agreements network
We are signing new trade and investment agreements to help Canadian businesses reach more customers worldwide.
By expanding Canada’s trade network, we’re removing trade barriers and making it easier to invest in Canada.
Canadian businesses will benefit from lower costs, reduced red tape, more customers worldwide and new suppliers and technology.
Change in nominal goods exports
Data on a balance of payments basis, seasonally adjusted data, averaged over three months to smooth volatility. The last data point is April 2026.
Sources: Statistics Canada (Table 12-10-0011-01); Global Affairs Canada calculations.
Attracting more foreign direct investment
Canada has a strong reputation as a reliable, stable, trusted and competitive destination for investment from around the world. International investment creates good Canadian jobs, strengthens our supply chains, drives innovation, builds our infrastructure and brings in new technologies.
We are revitalizing Canada’s approach to attracting investment by simplifying how we work across government.
Foreign direct investment in Canada by year
Source: Sources: Statistics Canada (Table 36-10-0008-01).
Supporting Canadian exporters
We are giving Canadian exporters the tools they need to grow and diversify by empowering Canada’s trade team to provide targeted support. Through this coordinated network of departments and agencies, we help exporters diversify their trade.
Enabling export diversification
Helping Canadian businesses find new international opportunities through the Trade Commissioner Service
Transforming the softwood lumber industry
Supporting the sector's competitiveness and adaptation through Natural Resources Canada measures
Providing export financing and risk support
Offering loans, insurance, and guarantees to Canadian exporters through Export Development Canada
CanExport SMEs
Funding to help Canadian small and medium-sized businesses expand into new international markets
EDC’s Trade Accelerator Program
Providing Canadian businesses with expert guidance, market entry strategies, and tailored support to grow internationally
Strategic Exports Office
Enhancing Canada’s ability to secure complex, high-value international commercial opportunities through a whole-of-government approach to trade
Building trade-enabling infrastructure
Trade-enabling infrastructure is how we connect businesses across Canada and to global markets. Our investments in transportation increases trade capacity, expands access to international markets, and provides access previously untapped domestic resources.
Trade Diversification Corridors Fund
Investment: $5 billion
Objective: Expand and modernize trade-enabling infrastructure across Canada
Scope: Ports, railways, airports, highways, and other strategic assets
First and Last Mile Fund
Investment: $1.5 billion
Objective: Improve connectivity for Canada’s critical minerals sector
Scope: Infrastructure supporting mining site development, processing, and refining
Arctic Infrastructure Fund
Investment: $1 billion
Objective: Build and expand strategic infrastructure in Canada’s Arctic region
Scope: Civilian and defence-related infrastructure, transportation links
Explore more
Access export advisory services
Connecting Canadian businesses with Trade Commissioner Service advisors to navigate international markets
Guiding first-time exporters
Providing step-by-step guidance to help Canadian businesses export for the first time through Export Development Canada
Funding and financing export initiatives
Offering a range of financial programs to help Canadian businesses grow internationally
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