Trade diversification news
Canada’s recent trade progress, including new agreements, milestones, and concrete outcomes. These updates highlight progress in opening markets, supporting key sectors, and strengthening Canada’s global partnerships.
Minister Sidhu establishes Strategic Exports Office to strengthen Canada’s global competitiveness
July 30, 2026
From: Global Affairs Canada
In an increasingly complex and competitive global environment, Canadian businesses are looking for greater support as they actively diversify their exports to markets abroad. To support and guide Canadian businesses to grow and expand into global markets, the Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, today announced the creation of Canada’s Strategic Exports Office (SEO).
Canada and Ecuador sign a free trade agreement
July 24, 2026
From: Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, and Luis Jaramillo, Ecuador’s Minister of Production, Foreign Trade, and Investments, have signed the Canada-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement.
Canada and United Arab Emirates conclude Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations
July 24, 2026
From: Global Affairs Canada
Today, the Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, and His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates, were in Toronto, Ontario, to welcome the successful conclusion of negotiations toward the Canada-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Minister Sidhu to lead the largest ever Team Canada Trade Mission to the Indo-Pacific region to unlock new opportunities for Canadian businesses in Japan
June 20, 2026
From: Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, announced that he will be travelling to Tokyo, Japan, to lead the largest Team Canada Trade Mission to the Indo-Pacific region since the program’s launch in 2023.
CCC Signs MoU to Expand Canadian Defence Trade with the Dominican Republic
June 15, 2026
From: Canadian Commercial Corporation
The Canadian Commercial Corporation is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Defence of the Dominican Republic.
Statistics Canada releases April 2026 international trade data
June 9, 2026
From: Statistics Canada
Canada's merchandise exports increased 1.6% since last month.
Canada's merchandise trade surplus increased by $900 million.
Canada welcomes India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry for bilateral trade mission
May 29, 2026
From: Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, welcomed Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, and the largest-ever trade delegation from India to Canada—or anywhere in the world. The visit builds on the renewed commitment by both countries to advance commercial ties and accelerate progress toward doubling bilateral trade by 2030.
Canada secures first European LNG deal
May 27, 2026
From: Natural Resources Canada
The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced an agreement between Ksi Lisims LNG and SEFE (Securing Energy for Europe) of Germany, bringing long‑term supply of low-carbon Canadian LNG to a European buyer for the first time. After receiving approval under Canada and British Columbia’s “One Project, One Review” model in September 2025, Ksi Lisims LNG was referred to the Major Projects Office (MPO) by Prime Minister Carney in November 2025 to support Canada’s efforts to more than double our low-carbon LNG production and displace higher-emitting fuel use abroad, strengthen our position as a global energy superpower, create thousands of new careers, and diversify our exports to new Asian and European markets.
Prime Minister Carney breaks ground on Nouveau Monde Graphite’s Matawinie Mine in Québec – the largest graphite mine in the G7
May 19, 2026
From: Prime Minister of Canada
The Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced that construction is starting on this transformative project just six months after its referral to the Major Projects Office. Once completed, the Matawinie Mine project will be the largest graphite mine in North America, and in the G7 – supplying up to 106,000 tonnes annually. Graphite is an indispensable component for electric vehicle batteries, energy storage systems, advanced manufacturing, and defence and aerospace technologies. With global demand rapidly outpacing supply, the Matawinie Mine will help position Canada as the reliable partner of choice for Asia, Europe, and beyond.
The Matawinie Mine will create more than 1,000 new jobs from engineering to the skilled trades, attract nearly $2 billion in investment into our economy, and support lower emissions.
Minister Sidhu advances commercial opportunities and free trade agreement outreach in the Philippines
May 14, 2026
From: Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, concluded his visit to the Philippines. While in Manila, he secured new growth opportunities for Canadian businesses, advanced Canada’s trade diversification agenda and expanded two-way trade and investment in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest growing markets.
Minister Sidhu reiterated Canada’s commitment to mutual economic prosperity and global supply chains resiliency. In support of this, he announced:
- Canada has accepted the invitation, extended by the Government of the Philippines, and in partnership with the United States and Japan, to join the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) Partnership;
- on behalf of the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), a contribution of $2 million to fund targeted technical assistance for a LEC project.
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