At a time when many countries are questioning their degree of economic openness and are retreating into protectionism, Canada opens up to foreign markets. Gradually, Canada positions itself in favour of free trade in order to facilitate its trade with other countries.
This article aims to inform you about the different countries that have signed agreements with Canada in order to allow you to deploy your strategy internationally.
CANADA: FREE TRADE AND OPENING TO GLOBAL TRADE
There are currently several free trade agreements in place between Canada and other countries that facilitate doing business in foreign markets. Generally, they have the effect of reducing “tariff” measures such as customs duties, but also the effect on the “non-tariff” barriers such as standards, quotas, and protection of intellectual property.
PREFERENTIAL RULES OF ORIGIN APPLY
The rules of origin concern the criteria used to define the place where a product has been manufactured. These rules specify the proportion of the value and production that must occur collectively in Canada and in the partner country of the free trade agreement in order for the countries to benefit from it. The application of these rules allows avoiding a situation where goods are simply brought into a partner country with an aim to benefit from the preferential advantages of these agreements.
COUNTRIES THAT HAVE SIGNED FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS WITH CANADA
To facilitate your success in foreign markets, you will find below the list of current free-trade agreements between Canada and other countries.
| Free trade agreements | Countries concerned |
|---|---|
| North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), in force since 1994 | USA, Mexico |
| In force since 2009 | Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland |
| In force since 1997 | Chile |
| In force since 2011 | Colombia |
| In force since 2015 | Korea |
| In force since 2002 | Costa Rica |
| In force since 2014 | Honduras |
| In force since 1997 | Israel |
| In force since 2012 | Jordan |
| In force since 2013 | Panama |
| In force since 2009 | Peru |
There exist also agreements signed between the European Union and Ukraine, which will soon come into force. Other agreements (for example, with India and Japan) are still being negotiated and will be a subject of subsequent communication. The rules and exceptions of these agreements can be complex; to consult the details of each agreement, visit the website of the government of Canada, section “Trade and investment agreements” where you will find the source information.
To find out more about the trade between Canada and the European Union, read our previous article discussing the impact of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
This article is intended for informational use only and does not constitute legal, financial or tax advice. For specific advice applicable to your business, please contact us.
