CETA Archives - Trade Ready https://tradeready.ca/tag/ceta/ Blog for International Trade Experts Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:51:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Rules of Origin: What You Need to Know https://tradeready.ca/2026/featured-stories/rules-of-origin-what-you-need-to-know/ https://tradeready.ca/2026/featured-stories/rules-of-origin-what-you-need-to-know/#respond Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:48:30 +0000 https://tradeready.ca/?p=40743 Rules of Origin (ROO) are the mandatory legal criteria that determine a product’s economic nationality, acting as the non-negotiable gatekeeper to the financial benefits of...

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]]> Rules of Origin (ROO) are the mandatory legal criteria that determine a product’s economic nationality, acting as the non-negotiable gatekeeper to the financial benefits of free trade agreements.

To qualify for preferential duties, exporters must meet ROO rules, but these are complex – and strict compliance is essential to avoid costly customs audits. In this article, we outline what companies need to understand about rules of origin – and highlight the key points exporters must manage to avoid failing an audit.

What rules of origin actually do

Rules of origin are fundamental to international trade because they gatekeep access to Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). ROOs determine the economic nationality of a product, i.e., where a good is truly considered “from” for tariff purposes.


Rules of origin are the laws, regulations and administrative guidelines that governments use to determine an imported product’s country of origin, not always an easy matter when the raw materials, manufacturing, processing or assembly of a product can be provided in several different countries.

For example, simply shipping a product from, say, Canada to the EU, does not automatically grant it preferential treatment under the Canada European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

If the product uses inputs from outside the FTA zone, it must undergo substantial transformation in the exporting country to be deemed “originating” in that country.

Exporters must meet the strict, product-specific criteria laid out in each FTA, in order for the product to qualify as “originating” and become eligible for reduced or zero tariffs.

Two main types of rules of origin

Rules of origin are generally categorized into two distinct types, each serving a different purpose in international trade: preferential and non-preferential.

Preferential ROO

These are the rules that matter most to exporters seeking a competitive edge. Preferential ROO are applied exclusively within the framework of FTAs, such as USMCA (formerly NAFTA), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), or the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Meeting these rules is how a product qualifies as “originating” under the terms of the agreement, which in turn grants it preferential tariff treatment. In practice, it means that importers pay either a reduced or a zero-duty rate.

Non-Preferential ROO

Non-preferential ROO determine a product’s origin for general commercial purposes and are applied unilaterally by a country (or by multilateral organizations like the WTO) in cases where no FTA benefits are being claimed.

These rules do not usually grant any special tariff advantages, but countries still impose these rules for various administrative and trade remedy reasons, for example:

  • Trade statistics: Accurate recording of import and export data.
  • Country-of-origin labelling: Determining the “Made In…” label required on goods.
  • Trade remedies: Applying specific measures like anti-dumping or countervailing duties against goods determined to originate from a specific country.
  • Government procurement: Determining the eligibility of a product for public tenders.

While both rule types are legally required, for the specific goal of maximizing profit and offering cost savings to your buyers through lower import duties, preferential ROO are the primary focus for any company using an FTA.

How to figure out the rule for your product

Determining origin starts with classification. Every product in global trade is assigned a specific harmonized system (HS) code by the World Customs Organization (WCO).

The World Customs Organization says that,


“At the heart of international trade, the harmonized system is an essential tool for harmonizing and facilitating the movement of goods around the globe.”

The HS code is the anchor for all trade rules. Once you have the correct HS codes for your exported product, you can look it up in the relevant FTAs’ annex or schedule, which will detail the product-specific rule (PSR) you need to meet. These rules fall roughly into four categories:

Wholly Obtained (WO)

This is the most straightforward rule. Here, goods must be entirely sourced or produced within the territory of one FTA member country. None of the materials used to produce the goods can be non-originating. Wholly obtained goods automatically qualify as originating.

Clear examples include minerals extracted from the ground, live animals born and raised, or fish caught by vessels registered and flagged to that country.

Change in Tariff Classification (CTC)

CTC rules are the most common method for manufactured goods that use imported components. The core principle is that non-originating inputs must undergo sufficient production or processing within the exporting country.

In other words, the finished product is classified under a different HS code than the inputs. There is a minimum shift in classification required for this rule to apply. Depending on the rule, the required “shift” can be at a high level – implying a change in the applicable chapter of the HS code.

Some rules allow more granular changes in how to find HS code, for example, a change in subheading. It depends on the specifics of the free trade agreement.

Regional Value Content (RVC)

The RVC rule dictates that a certain minimum percentage of the final product’s value must originate from within the FTA region.

According to Export Development Canada,


“The imported components must undergo significant transformation during manufacturing to be considered as originating from the trade agreement countries.”

This rule is often used for products where a tariff shift alone is not considered a sufficient transformation. Think about really complex assemblies, such as a car or industrial machinery.

The FTA will specify the calculation method to be used, but the common ones are the transaction value method, which looks at the selling price of the product, and the net cost method, excluding costs such as marketing and royalties.

Specific Process Rules

For a limited set of international business contracts, origin is determined by requiring the completion of a specific, non-tariff-based manufacturing or chemical process.

This rule is often applied to industries like textiles, chemicals, and refined metals (steel), where the process itself is the measure of substantial transformation, regardless of the resulting HS code.

Key points exporters must manage

ROO compliance requires diligence across multiple parts of your supply chain and record-keeping system, including:

  • HS code accuracy: Incorrect classification is the most common and costly mistake, as using the wrong HS code immediately leads to an inaccurate ROO determination. This can result in your buyer being denied the preferential tariff.
  • Understanding the applicable rule: Different FTAs have different rules, so a product that qualifies as originating under CETA may not qualify under USMCA due to varying RVC thresholds or CTC requirements.
  • Tracking inputs: For any product not wholly obtained, you must trace the origin and processing of your components. That includes where inputs are from, the relative value of each input, and its transformation status.
  • Maintaining documentation: Exporters are required to keep records to back up every origin declaration, including bill of materials and supplier declarations. Cost breakdowns and production records are also critical.
  • Issuing the certificate of origin: The required format depends on the FTA and can vary from self-certification (USMCA, CPTPP, and CETA) to government-authorized certificates, particularly in the case of older regional agreements.
  • Importer responsibilities: The importer is the party legally responsible for claiming the preferential tariff rate and ultimately liable for any inaccuracies. Importers must retain the origin documentation provided by the exporter.

Note that under certain FTAs (like RCEP), the importer is permitted to issue the origin declaration themselves, placing the compliance burden directly on them.

Common pitfalls

Navigating rules of origin is complex, with even experienced exporters making mistakes. Common pitfalls include:

  • Assuming “Made In X” means “Originating in X”: The country where a product is made is not the same as its origin according to trade rules. Something can be made in one country, but fail to qualify as originating in that country according to an FTA.
  • Trusting supplier classifications: Exporters often assume the materials provided by their suppliers meet the origin criteria – but should instead verify via a formal supplier declaration or certification.
  • Ignoring the De Minimis rule: The de minimis rule is a tolerance that allows a small percentage of non-originating inputs to be used without affecting the origin status, provided the product otherwise meets its ROO.
  • Origin when suppliers change: A change in your supply chain, even switching suppliers within the same country, can alter the origin status of your materials.

It’s also worth noting that when a regional value content rule applies, errors in calculation, including the wrong valuation method or non-allowable costs, can invalidate the entire origin claim.

ROO knowledge is core to the correct trade declaration

Ultimately, understanding and mastering the rules of origin is just non-negotiable. Strict compliance ensures your product is correctly documented, which protects your company during customs audits.


Achieving assured originating status directly translates to financial benefits by allowing your product to access lower tariffs (often zero duties) under FTAs, which immediately helps with competitive pricing in new markets.

It’s a win-win, but the rules are complex. Close adherence is an absolute must.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the contributing author, and do not necessarily reflect those of the Forum for International Trade Training.

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]]> https://tradeready.ca/2026/featured-stories/rules-of-origin-what-you-need-to-know/feed/ 0 https://tradeready.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rules-of-Origin-map-route-traced-with-string-and-pins.png Global trade outlook 2018: What are the biggest trends, technologies, opportunities and challenges? https://tradeready.ca/2018/tradeelite-recap/global-trade-outlook-2018-what-are-the-biggest-trends-technologies-opportunities-and-challenges/ https://tradeready.ca/2018/tradeelite-recap/global-trade-outlook-2018-what-are-the-biggest-trends-technologies-opportunities-and-challenges/#respond Mon, 15 Jan 2018 17:28:42 +0000 http://test.tradeready.ca/?p=25559 In this month's #TradeElite chat, we gave our panel the chance to provide some of their best tools and tips for SMEs going into 2018.

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]]> rocket taking off out of hand

Naturally, at the end of 2017, we began to look at what was in store for the year ahead. 

We published our run-down of the top 10 global trade trends we would be following in 2018, and how supply chain management would change over the next several months.

But, as always, we wanted to hear from the experts on what trends, technology, opportunities and challenges they had their eyes on. In this month’s #TradeElite Twitter chat, we gave our knowledgeable panel the chance to provide some of their best tools and tips for SMEs going into what is sure to be another big year for international business.

Follow the conversation below!

Moderator:

Audrey Ross (@TresAudrey), Logistics and Customs Specialist with Orchard International Inc. based out of Mississauga, ON.

Panelists:

Craig Atkinson, CITP (@CraigAAtkinson) – Consultant,
ITC and a visiting fellow with the World Trade Institute based out of Halifax, NS and Geneva, Switzerland.

Marie-France Paquet (@PaquetMF) – Chief Economist, Global Affairs Canada (GAC) based out of Ottawa, ON

Cathy Morrow Roberson (@cmroberson06) – Founder/Head  Analyst of Logistics Trends and Insights based out of Atlanta, GA

What are your goals for 2018? (Refocus on core customers? Improve Supply Chain? Become more sustainable? Tackle compliance threats?

Geographically, where do you see the biggest opportunities for North American companies in 2018?


As a follow up, by industry, where are the biggest opportunities for businesses around the world in 2018?

What new technologies do you think will have the biggest impact on global trade? (hyperloop, blockchain, AI, etc?)

2017 was filled with front-page incidents ranging from corruption, to forced / underpaid labour, to harassment, worker safety & the environment. Do you think companies will start taking steps to address these issues? Is “reputation risk” a threat?

What are steps SME’s can take to illuminate their supply chains and ensure their agents & partners are being transparent and following good business practices?

In an increasingly cluttered and complex global market, what makes businesses stand out? What helps them to grow quickly?

What tools and resources are available for businesses who want to tackle the challenges of international trade in 2018? Where is the best place to start?

Read the rest of the chat and follow future discussions by following the #TradeElite hashtag. Stay tuned for the next #TradeElite chat, coming up Thursday, February 15 at 2:30-3:30PM ET, and if you haven’t yet, join us on Twitter at @FITTNews.

Do you have any burning questions for the panel that weren’t addressed in the chat? What are your goals for 2018? Leave them in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation going!

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]]> https://tradeready.ca/2018/tradeelite-recap/global-trade-outlook-2018-what-are-the-biggest-trends-technologies-opportunities-and-challenges/feed/ 0 https://tradeready.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/iStock-823493966.jpg Are free trade agreements really free? https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/import-export-trade-management/free-trade-agreements-really-free/ https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/import-export-trade-management/free-trade-agreements-really-free/#respond Mon, 16 Oct 2017 14:49:21 +0000 http://test.tradeready.ca/?p=24913 In this moment in history, it is a good time to revisit the benefits of free trade agreements, and consider how to make its benefits more widespread.

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]]> free tradeIs anything in life really free? The Beatles crooned “Can’t Buy Me Love,” but even love requires something reciprocal, like devotion and respect. And when it comes to the world of business, there are no freebies – not even lunch.

But before we explore whether Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are really free, let’s examine what they are. FTAs are treaties that reduce, or ideally eliminate, tariffs and non-tariff barriers, such as quotas or cumbersome customs procedures that cause delays at borders.

Basically, FTA partner countries are able to buy and sell products to each other with reduced or zero duties. Usually, countries “stage”, or slowly reduce, the duty reductions for several years until they reach zero.

FTAs reduce friction in trade and decrease the costs of products for consumers.

They allow businesses to focus on making the products or providing the services that they are good at, and import the products they don’t have a competitive advantage in or are otherwise unable to produce, such as wine from Napa Valley or avocados from Mexico.

Free Trade Agreements can be made between two countries, known as bilateral, such as the Canada-South Korea FTA entered into force January 1, 2015. They can also include three countries (trilateral), such as CUSMA, the Canada, United States, Mexico Agreement.

Finally, FTAs can be multi-lateral, such as the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

Tracing the origins of the modern FTA

The debate about free trade is not new. In fact, in the United States, it dates back to the Civil War. Northern states sought protection for high tariffs on manufactured goods while Southern cotton-producing states supported open trade policies to promote exports.

One of the most cited examples of protectionism in U.S. textbooks is the Smoot-Hawley Act of 1930, which imposed high tariffs on many goods. Credit President Franklin Roosevelt’s Secretary of State, Cordell Hull, for his determination to reverse the high-tariff policies of Smoot-Hawley.

His idea was to negotiate foreign trade agreements, which would reduce U.S. tariffs, but only in exchange for partner nations reducing theirs. U.S. Congress authorized such negotiations in the landmark Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act of 1934, enabling negotiated lower rates of duties to be implemented by Presidential Proclamation.

Things are a little different today. A trade agreement must now be approved by the U.S. Congress after the President completes negotiations.

The real revolution in trade took place after World War II, with the creation of the multilateral General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, known as the GATT. The idea was to rebuild the post-war economies and to promote growth via global trade.

GATT had several rounds of trade negotiations, including the Kennedy Round (1963-67), the Tokyo Round (1973-79), and Uruguay Round (1986-94). These negotiations led to substantial tariff reductions worldwide, which in turn led to a new global landscape, where trade policies promoting open markets had a big role.

The Uruguay Round of GATT led to the creation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995. At the time, the vision was that members of the WTO, currently 159 in total, would all agree to eliminate as many tariffs and non-tariff barriers as possible. Each country would be able to sell and purchase goods and services from other WTO members without paying duties or dealing with a lot of red tape.

It didn’t work out as well as members hoped. For various reasons, the WTO could not create a universal agreement on tariff and non-tariff reductions that all its members could abide by. As a result, countries have moved forward to independently negotiate FTAs with other countries.

The WTO did have success earlier this year, when members reached an agreement to eliminate red tape at borders called the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) estimates that the customs reforms effected by TFA implementation would lower the total trade cost of shipping goods by 10% to 15% depending upon the country. Some estimate implementation of TFA’s measures will boost global trade by $1 trillion and global GDP by nearly 5%.

Who are the biggest winners from free trade?

Despite these benefits, a key concern regarding FTAs is understanding that there are winners and losers. This is a question that had unfortunately not received the attention it deserved – from policy makers, businesses and society –until the recent popular backlash against trade in many developed countries.

The ability to import merchandise and services duty-free benefits consumers, primarily low-middle income families.

This would enable consumers to buy the things they need at lower prices, such as clothes made in Vietnam or Guatemala or flat screen TVs assembled in Mexico, from their local Wal-Mart or Best Buy.

It also benefits companies, who can import raw materials and other required parts at lower costs and pass those savings on to their customers. Modern-day trade is not just about shipping finished products from one country to another. What has emerged since the development of our global trading system is complex global supply or value chains.

FTAs also benefit businesses by reducing the amount of time, money and resources they are required to spend paying tariffs or complying with non-tariff barriers. Agreements also allow countries to produce products, parts or materials for which they have a comparative advantage.

So what has the global trade system done for the world? Amazingly, it has lifted millions of people out of abject poverty.

Throughout Africa, Asia and Latin America, nearly 1.3 billion people have gone from making less than a dollar a day to being self-sufficient.

In fact, some of the countries in these regions are among the fastest growing economies.

This not only reduces the burden on their local governments and aid provided by international institutions, but also creates customers for North American-made products and services.

Every rose has its thorn: the downside of FTAs

So if the average consumer and company benefits from trade, who loses? Sadly, in some cases it has been workers in industries that have taken advantage of lower cost labor overseas. The workers that have been displaced also tend to be concentrated in certain communities, so the pain is even greater.

However, it is now well-recognized that increased productivity and automation have had a hand in these job losses too. Policy makers must be mindful of this; otherwise, they may be incorrectly diagnosing the disease and prescribing the wrong medicine.

Government efforts to protect these workers have fallen short and are often too little, too late. For example, in the United States, Trade Adjustment Assistance, which was created to support displaced workers through training and unemployment compensation, was poorly funded and difficult to receive.

Claimants had to prove they lost their job as a result of trade, rather than automation, which is tough to prove, since many economists believe 70% of job losses are a result of automation rather than trade. But if you’ve been laid off, do you really care if it was because of a robot or a trade deal?

How can we retain the benefits of free trade while minimizing the risks?

Free trade agreements are just that – agreements. They are concessions made between participating countries to foster increased commercial ties and further foreign policy goals.

One of the most compelling arguments in favor of open trade is its role in promoting peace. It’s a basic fact that trading partners are reluctant to fight each other. After the devastation of two world wars, countries worked arduously together to prevent another global catastrophe. They used trade as an efficient and effective mechanism to do so.

Although nothing in life may be truly free, that doesn’t mean FTAs aren’t valuable. If governments and businesses work together to increase the rewards FTAs and multilateral deals offer, while mitigating the risks and protecting against unintended consequences, more people will benefit and the global economy can grow unimpeded.

In this moment in history, it is a good time to revisit the benefits of the global trading system, which has accomplished so much for humanity, and consider how to make its benefits more widespread.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the contributing author, and do not necessarily reflect those of the Forum for International Trade Training.

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]]> https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/import-export-trade-management/free-trade-agreements-really-free/feed/ 0 https://tradeready.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/free-trade.jpg These CETA infographics explain exactly how the free trade agreement will help businesses https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/market-entry-strategies/ceta-infographics-trade-agreement-help-businesses/ https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/market-entry-strategies/ceta-infographics-trade-agreement-help-businesses/#respond Tue, 26 Sep 2017 15:57:57 +0000 http://test.tradeready.ca/?p=24744 The EU International Trade Department created a series of helpful CETA infographics detailing the benefits for several specific industries - take a look!

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]]> CETA infographicsAfter many long years of negotiation, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union was finally implemented on Thursday, September 21, 2017. While the deal is technically only implemented on a provisional basis, the agreement already eliminates 98% of existing tariffs on goods and services sold between Canada and the EU.

There’s been a lot of excitement around this major milestone on both sides of the Atlantic. You may be wondering, though, how exactly the implementation of this deal will affect businesses in both regions.

Want to learn more about how CETA and other free trade agreements will affect your business future? Reserve your spot at the Your Future in Global Markets 2017 international business conference to hear from leading trade experts.

Thankfully, the EU International Trade Department has created a series of helpful infographics detailing the benefits of CETA for several specific industries, and shared them via their Twitter account, @Trade_EU. Take a look!

Let us know what you’re most excited about with CETA’s implementation, and please feel free to add any other helpful information or stats in the comments below!

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]]> https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/market-entry-strategies/ceta-infographics-trade-agreement-help-businesses/feed/ 0 https://tradeready.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Untitled-1.jpg Top 5 things you need to know to export to Canada https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/market-entry-strategies/top-5-things-need-know-export-to-canada/ https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/market-entry-strategies/top-5-things-need-know-export-to-canada/#respond Mon, 14 Aug 2017 15:18:12 +0000 http://test.tradeready.ca/?p=24424 Do you need to add Canada to your export strategy? Here are five factors to think about as you consider whether your business should export to Canada.

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]]> export to Canada

In today’s somewhat volatile global trade environment, Canada is enjoying a period of increasingly open trade, as well as political and economic stability. Should you add Canada to your export strategy? Here are five factors to think about as you answer that for your business.

1. Customers have money to spend, and they’re not going anywhere

Canada was ranked 10th for overall GDP in 2016, placing it amongst the world’s wealthiest countries. Within this top ten, Canada has a higher GDP per capita than seven of them, meaning there is a higher likelihood the average Canadian will have disposable income to purchase new imported goods or services.

Canada also has the highest population growth of any of the G7 countries, so this population of consumers is only going to grow with time. Interestingly, two-thirds of the population growth from the past five years has come through immigration. Therefore Canada is gaining a more diverse population that can potentially support niche markets for international products.

While assessing new markets and export opportunities is never easy, Canada certainly shows promising signs for businesses considering it as their next target.

2. Fewer barriers to doing business

Overall, Canada ranks 22nd out of 190 in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings. It also ranks second worldwide in ease of starting a business, and among the top 10 in getting credit and protecting minority investors.

While ranking 46th in trading across borders might raise eyebrows, many of the top countries in this category are located in Europe, where several border agreements have been in place for years. Among non-European nations, Canada would rank 10th in this category.

While Canada doesn’t receive high marks in every category – Canada is 108th for getting electricity and 112th for enforcing contracts – overall, entrepreneurs looking at exporting to Canada should have a relatively easy time.

3. New trade agreements mean fewer impediments

Canada has enjoyed free trade with the U.S. since the late 1980s, and been part of the NATFA agreement with the U.S. and Mexico for over 20 years. Recently, new agreements have opened similar opportunities with markets outside of North America.

Most notably, CETA will remove tariffs on 98% of goods and services from EU countries once provisionally implemented in late 2017. This will increase to 99% once the agreement is ratified by each European national government.

Canada also has free trade agreements (FTAs) in place with 12 other countries, including South Korea, Chile, and Israel, and is currently negotiating with several others, such as India and Japan.

Businesses operating in any country involved in an FTA with Canada should start looking into potential opportunities. Want to see if your country is on the list? You can view a full list of every country Canada is negotiating with, or has signed an agreement with, the status of their relationship, and the type of agreement through the Global Affairs Canada website.

With the signing of the recent Canadian Free Trade Agreement, businesses will also find the number of barriers within Canada reduced. While some obstacles remain, particularly regarding the sale of alcohol, exporters should find greater opportunity to expand across Canada once they’ve entered the market.

4. Beyond Canada-U.S. trade, Canada is a net importer

For better or for worse, Canada’s international trade has been largely defined by its trading relationship with the United States. Canada shares one of the world’s longest borders with the largest economy in the world, and has had a longtime free trade relationship with the U.S. This has resulted in a situation where 75% of Canada’s product exports went to the U.S., and 65% of the products imported into Canada were from the U.S. in 2016.

If you live outside of the U.S., however, there are a few things that should give you hope. While Canada had a net positive trade balance in 2016, it becomes a trade deficit once Canada-U.S. trade is removed from the equation.

This means if you’re a business outside of the United States, Canadian businesses are currently more likely to buy from you than sell to you.

In some industries, opportunities are already wide open for businesses outside the U.S. to export to Canada. According to Steve Tipman, Executive Director of Trade Facilitation Office (TFO) Canada, “two examples where this is especially noticeable are apparel and food. A lot of Canadian clothing is from outside Canada or the U.S., and if you walk into a grocery store, many of the fruits and vegetables are from Mexico, Latin America or elsewhere.”

He also adds that Canadian importers and consumers are also interested in unique, price competitive products from around the world. “In the example of fruits or vegetables, with urbanization happening in many Canadian cities, anything that’s sized a little differently or can be purchased individually by customers instead of in a carton is going to stand out and appeal to that segment of the population.”

Canada-U.S. trade will continue to be important, but Canada’s greater diversity in imports should demonstrate that opportunities are available for companies wanting to export to Canada.

5. Plenty of help available to find potential partners

One of the most important elements of entering any new market is building connections and forming partnerships, alliances, supplier agreements, and other business relationships.

One place companies can start is the Canadian Importers Database, put together by Industry Canada. You can search lists of companies importing goods into Canada by product type, country of origin and Canadian city, to see who’s already importing what and from where.

The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) is also a valuable resource for anyone looking to do business in Canada or with Canadian companies. With 161 international offices around the world, Trade Commissioners near you will be able to give you the information and advice you need. They can put you in contact with potential partners and leads and help you evaluate the ones you already have. Trade Commissioners may also know about trade shows or missions relevant to your needs.

As Varun Anthony, CITP|FIBP, a Trade Commissioner in Mumbai, India explains, “The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service is your one stop shop to doing business in Canada. Trade Commissioners across Canada’s global network provide tailor-made services to suit your business requirements so that you can invest in one of the best economies to do business with in the G20 – Canada!”

TFO Canada is another organization to look at for those in emerging markets. “The first thing any SME in a developing country should do is register on our website, www.tfocanada.ca,” Tipman explains. “It’s important to fill out your entire profile, so we can share it with Canadian importers who might be interested in your products. From there, there’s lots of data and resources you can find – sector-specific market information papers, a comprehensive guide on exporting to Canada, and regular webinars on a wide range of trade-related topics are just a few examples.”

With many potential opportunities for businesses around the world, Canada could be an important addition to many businesses’ market entry strategies. Canada offers stability, openness and a large number of potential consumers for your products or services, all important ingredients for any successful export strategy.

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]]> https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/market-entry-strategies/top-5-things-need-know-export-to-canada/feed/ 0 https://tradeready.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/export-to-Canada.jpg Why exporters should diversify beyond U.S. markets – and how to do it right https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/market-entry-strategies/exporters-diversify-beyond-u-s-markets-right/ https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/market-entry-strategies/exporters-diversify-beyond-u-s-markets-right/#respond Mon, 26 Jun 2017 12:39:22 +0000 http://test.tradeready.ca/?p=23906 Diversification has long been the popular advice to Canadian businesses. Here's how to do it right to enjoy export success beyond the U.S.

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]]> Man with arms outstretched look out at horizon

After the recent announcement of CETA’s ratification, the Canadian federal and provincial governments are now heavily focusing on its implementation. Getting to this point with CETA took nearly 10 years and now suddenly Canada will enjoy free trade with Europe (a huge market of more than 500 million people in 28 countries).

Many Canadian companies are already there, as import duties in Europe have been more accessible than those in Asia, the Middle East or Latin America. Now, with a drop to 0% import duties for 98% of products and services, there is more incentive than ever to further invest.

It sounds great! So, let’s start selling.

Canadian exporters enjoy higher revenues, faster growth, pay higher wages and salaries, and achieve a greater return on investment. In addition, export insurance provides peace of mind and export financing with advantageous terms help with cash flow management.

Diversification has long been the popular advice to Canadian businesses: ‘Expand your market into the U.S. and invest in overseas market development to be less dependent on the Canadian market!’

You finally made the decision to move further ahead – either as a new exporter, or as an established export professional. What’s next? Where do you start and how do you continue?

While the development of new export markets is quite costly and very time consuming, and there is no guarantee of success, smaller firms from Europe are already selling to Canada, and many Canadian companies thrive in overseas markets. Check out the various industries already very successful in export markets.

To get started, this is a great opportunity to review and update your SWOT Analysis to ensure your company and key decision-makers have a solid understanding where your business currently stands, and what needs to be done to prepare for expansion.

This sounds like a pretty basic approach; every company knows where it stands, so why do it again? Here is a good reason:

Nobody is waiting for you – and the rules are not the same as in your home market.

You must create a different SWOT analysis for your export markets. It is very important to undertake a very thorough and detailed approach, including a comprehensive competition review!

You need to understand your key differentiators in detail, and the reasons why someone should buy from you. What’s in it for your customers? And can you make money after paying for all the extra costs of exporting? Is your local partner competitive over the next two to five years within your pricing structure?

Diversification also means expanding beyond U.S. markets

Yes, the U.S. is very close, and many companies already sell to that market, however, by limiting your international sales to that one region are you realizing your full export potential? Many smaller and medium-sized companies do not have a solid plan, and often sell to the U.S. to take advantage of a lower Canadian dollar. However, as soon as the exchange rate moves towards par, sales and profitability decline, and you can’t pivot easily to overseas markets because you need to make more sales today.

On top of that there are obvious political changes to consider, not least of which are growing protectionism and the renegotiation of NAFTA.

If one thing is certain it’s that here is no longer any guaranty that the status quo will remain.

Keep in mind that most exports of manufactured goods into the U.S. can be replaced by local production “Made in USA” products as soon if tariffs come into play and the currency fluctuates again.

Despite these uncertainties, there is no call to abandon U.S. markets as export destinations. Analyze your successes and come up with a strategic marketing plan to sell even more successfully in the U.S. market. In most cases, your ROI in America will be higher than in Canada and overseas (very strong US $, less cost for transport and sales channel).

Work with established regional distributors and/or agents to open more doors at Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). You’ll need a competent U.S. sales manager and, ideally, some local boots on the ground. Often, your continued success in the U.S. will come down to pure determination and maintaining a competitive edge. In theory, we all know that the U.S. market is about tenfold the size of the Canadian market, so even if you enjoy the same sales in the U.S. as in Canada, you are way ahead of the game, and there is potential for so much more.

However, a considerable amount of profits generated in USA should be invested into developing European and other overseas markets. Wise exporters continuously work on new markets when times are good and do not wait until it is too late.

How do I find all the information I need?

Internet research, directories, and members of associations are all helpful. Ideally you will work with a local expert to ensure you have covered it all! Walk the industry leading trade shows, and/or participate with our own booth. There is excellent government funding available, and you can count on your local trade commissioner.

In most cases, niche products or niche solutions are easier to sell but it all depends on your product and how many competitors are already established in your target market.

Decide on two to four markets that have established free trade agreements with Canada (such as Europe, Columbia, Chile, Peru, South Korea, Australia), and some countries in the Middle East and Asia that offer low market entry barriers. Excessive import duties often do not leave you and your partners with any reasonable margin to do business. Many companies put a lot of effort into promising markets without doing their detailed homework about duties, local taxes and ROI.

Other regions with potential include Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Russia. These countries have a high population and a growing middle class, however they can be extremely resource intensive to develop. You must work with a highly competent, financially strong and well-connected partner. Unless you have a product or technology that has incredibly high demand, business in these markets will be to continue to be challenging. In most cases, joint ventures and local production are key to success for manufactured goods and government business.

Another crucial factor: you must meet local approvals and regulations!

Ensuring you have a full understanding of all standards and certifications required to do business in a foreign market is crucial. You will need to do thorough research before assessing if trading in one of these regions is feasible. Fortunately, there is government funding available (up to 50% of research costs), if your business qualifies. Here are two funding opportunities: Export Market Access in Ontario, as well as CanExport on a federal level offer up to $ 5,000 each for international market research. After the initial research, the best approach is to work with a local expert who is interested in buying and distributing your products.

What does this mean for Canadian companies?

Come up with a comprehensive export plan, work with government experts, apply for funding, work the plan and do not give up. Successful international market entry takes time. However, if you do not become serious about exporting now, you risk missing out on opportunities that may not be there tomorrow.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the contributing author, and do not necessarily reflect those of the Forum for International Trade Training.

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]]> https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/market-entry-strategies/exporters-diversify-beyond-u-s-markets-right/feed/ 0 https://tradeready.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/diversification-beyond-US-markets.jpg What did I miss on CETA? Catching up on the most recent information https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/market-entry-strategies/what-did-i-miss-on-ceta-catching-up-on-the-most-recent-information/ https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/market-entry-strategies/what-did-i-miss-on-ceta-catching-up-on-the-most-recent-information/#respond Tue, 06 Jun 2017 16:45:05 +0000 http://test.tradeready.ca/?p=23670 Here's an overview of all of the most important information you need to know about CETA since the EU Parliament vote in February, and how you can benefit.

The post What did I miss on CETA? Catching up on the most recent information appeared first on Trade Ready.

]]> CETA updateIf you live in Canada or Europe and are involved in global business, it’s likely that you’ve already heard about the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the EU. Intended to eliminate the vast majority of tariffs, the agreement should open up new opportunities for many businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.

Since the deal was officially approved by the European Parliament in February, however, it’s possible that you may not have heard much about the deal. So let’s answer three important questions that will help you get up to date with the information you need:

  1. What’s currently happening with CETA?
  2. When will it be implemented?
  3. What can you do to start benefitting from CETA?

Getting up to date on the latest CETA developments

After the EU Parliament vote, some had optimistically voiced that the agreement could be provisionally implemented as early as April 1. While that date has passed, the agreement will likely be implemented in July.

In Canada, Bill C-30, or the Canada-EU CETA Implementation Act, was approved by the Canadian Senate in May, after passing in the House of Commons in February. It was then given royal assent, the last step to officially become an Act of Parliament.

When will it be implemented?

Now that this step has been completed, the most commonly mentioned date to implement the agreement provisionally is July 1, to line up with Canada’s 150th birthday celebrations. Others have suggested it could happen anytime between June 15 and July 15.

It is important to note that this provisional implementation would include the vast majority of the deal, but not all of it. For example, Canadian businesses would be able to export 98% of goods duty-free to the EU, compared to 25% before the deal, but the full implementation of the deal will increase the number to 99%.

In order to ratify the final few clauses to implement the deal in its entirety, the national government of each EU member must ratify it, a long and time-consuming process. Of the 28 member countries, only two have done so at this time: Latvia, on February 23; and Denmark on June 1.

It is unclear when more countries will vote on the matter, or how long the process may take, but a European country has never failed to ratify a trade agreement at this stage. So the question is when, not if, this final stage will occur.

How will CETA help me?

Once CETA is provisionally implemented, businesses will be able to trade more between Canada and the EU, with significantly fewer tariffs.

For Canadian businesses, GAC has set up a special CETA page with links to more information about preferential access, trade in services, key sectors, and more. For further assistance, you can contact a member of the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) in your area or who specializes in your sector of interest.

Companies in the EU can go to the European Commission CETA page with information about what each country exports to Canada, how to navigate the new tariff laws, how to contact the export promotion agency in each EU country, the full CETA text, and more.

Have any other questions, or advice to pass on to others about CETA? Let us know in the comments!

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]]> https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/market-entry-strategies/what-did-i-miss-on-ceta-catching-up-on-the-most-recent-information/feed/ 0 https://tradeready.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/CETA-update.jpg Export diversity beyond U.S. is key to long-term profitability for Canadian manufacturers https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/market-entry-strategies/export-diversity-canadian-manufacturers/ https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/market-entry-strategies/export-diversity-canadian-manufacturers/#respond Thu, 13 Apr 2017 19:25:04 +0000 http://test.tradeready.ca/?p=22893 Even before it was clear that a sentiment of protectionism would inform the new U.S. administration’s trade policy, Canadian manufacturers identified the need to diversify exports beyond America.

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Even before it was clear that a sentiment of protectionism would form the foundation of the new U.S. administration’s trade policy, an overwhelming majority of Canadian manufacturers identified the need to diversify markets beyond our neighbour to the south.

The recently released results of the Export Insights 2016 survey gathered insights from more than 500 Canadian manufacturers. According to the survey, 85% of respondents said it’s important that their company seek out new markets beyond the U.S., despite the majority reporting that America remains their main export market today.

Protectionist threats from U.S. leading exporters to diversify

A need to look further afield is likely only being further exacerbated by remarks from politicians, such as those given in April by former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. He suggested that the U.S. approach to NAFTA renegotiation is shaping up to be more aggressive than previously indicated. Mulroney, who is helping the Canadian government liaise with the U.S. administrators dealing with NAFTA, made the remark in reference to a draft eight-page letter from acting U.S. Trade Representative, Stephen Vaughn, outlining more than 40 U.S. negotiating objectives.

Adding to this development, the U.S. has announced a proposed Border Adjustment Tax, and voiced a threat to introduce new Buy American restrictions that would see only American-made products used in federal-funded infrastructure programs.

“Maybe this is a big wake-up call for Canadian companies that finding customers outside the U.S. is not a ‘nice to do’, but a ‘must do’,” says award-winning trade economist and industry consultant Jayson Myers. “Diversity of export markets is critical.”

The time is right to look to new markets

According to a whitepaper on export market diversification making the right decisions at the right time is the key to successfully diversifying around the world.

Among its findings the Export Insights 2016 survey, conducted by CanadianManufacturing.com in partnership with Syspro Canada and Grant Thornton LLP, says that tapping into new market opportunities in the EU as well as the Latin America bloc are important steps for Canadian exporters.

Surprisingly, only 40% of respondents are familiar with recent trade deals such as the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which will open up a market of more than 500 million customers by reducing 98% of tariffs when it comes into force later this year. In fact, Canada has a multitude of free trade agreements (FTAs) with countries around the world, which are searchable online at the Government of Canada’s website.

A lack of awareness about FTAs may be part of the reason why only 46% of respondents also reported that they have either a long- or short-term export strategy.

“Only 26% of companies reported that they have a long-term strategy,” says James Weir, Vice President of Sales at Syspro, a Canadian enterprise resource planning (ERP) firm. “The majority aren’t sure if they will enter an export market within the next year.”

This shortcoming could be attributed to a lack of qualified staff and/or expertise, which some three-quarters of respondents highlighted as the area most lacking in their export business tools. Not knowing enough about logistics systems and channel partnerships were other areas where knowledge was found to be lacking.

“In order to mitigate risk and remain competitive in new markets, developing a strategy becomes imperative,” adds Weir. “Having a deep understanding of your target market, regional regulations and guidelines is key when expanding into new markets.”

Companies new to exporting are encouraged to tap into content available on EDC’s website that offers easy to follow steps on how to get started on an export journey.

Turning challenges into opportunities for long-term success

On a positive note some 68% of companies surveyed indicated they currently have the proper tools in place to bolster export growth, while 80% are confident export sales will increase over the next 12 months.

According to Mitchell Osak, Managing Director of Advisory Services of Grant Thornton LPP, conditions have never been better to kick-start or accelerate an export strategy.

“Interest rates remain at historical lows, the Canadian dollar is trading at a healthy discount to key global currencies and the Canadian brand has never been stronger,” he says. Exporting has never been more important to the long-term success of Canadian manufacturers.

Achieving long-term success hinges on the ability to turn challenges into opportunities. A fluctuating Canadian currency is the major challenge many companies are facing when exporting, but competition in the target market, as well as regulations and tariffs, are also big barriers to success.

On the upside, exporting a niche product or service is a critical factor in achieving success internationally, followed by competitive price and superior quality. These insights are reinforced by the global success of highly engineered products, today’s top-selling product category worldwide. Almost one-quarter of these companies also sell support services with their manufactured products.

In an effort to bolster exports over the next year, in-person market visits top the priority list among survey respondents, with almost half of companies expecting to travel to foreign destinations. It also appears companies will try to overcome the knowledge gap through plans to add capacity and hire new staff.

“When opening a new market, having a good product is only part of the solution,” explains Mike Ouellette, editor of Canadian Manufacturing.com. “If you try to forge ahead without a strong base of research and a well-informed network to aid your team, the chips will be stacked against you.”
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the contributing author, and do not necessarily reflect those of the Forum for International Trade Training.

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]]> https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/market-entry-strategies/export-diversity-canadian-manufacturers/feed/ 0 https://tradeready.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Export-diversity.jpg How can Canadian SMEs benefit from free trade agreements anyway? https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/market-entry-strategies/how-can-canadian-smes-benefit-from-free-trade-agreements-anyway/ https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/market-entry-strategies/how-can-canadian-smes-benefit-from-free-trade-agreements-anyway/#respond Tue, 04 Apr 2017 14:23:43 +0000 http://test.tradeready.ca/?p=22795 For all the talk on free trade agreements, it can be hard to find SME-friendly information on how companies can benefit from them.

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Free trade agreements (FTAs) such as the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) have been stealing the headlines for the past few months. For all the talk on these agreements, however, it can be hard to find SME-friendly information on how companies can benefit from them.

In fact, Canada has FTAs with 15 countries, and soon an additional 27 nations once CETA is in force.

Admittedly, an FTA is not the only consideration for choosing a market. You still have to make sure there is a need for your product or service, that you have a unique selling proposition, and that you can deliver your offering in a way that meets customer needs. That being said, an FTA can be an important factor in making a current or target export market more attractive.

So, what’s the deal with FTAs and how can your company benefit? Since each FTA is different, the answer depends on which one you’re talking about.

Furthermore, the answer is dependent on whether you’re selling goods, services, and/or looking to set up a physical presence in the country such as a branch office or production facility. Let’s look at FTA benefits for each of these three options, with examples from NAFTA and CETA in particular.

Selling goods to an FTA country

When it comes to selling physical products, the most common benefit of FTAs is also the most well-known: tariff reductions. However, depending on what you are selling and where it was produced, as a Canadian exporter you may not always benefit from reduced tariffs. Here’s how to find out whether (and how much) your company can benefit:

Determine the Harmonized System (HS) code of the product(s) you want to export. This guide by Statistics Canada is a good starting point. Confirm the correct code by speaking with a customs broker. Find one near you using the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers’ online member directory.

Check the tariff schedule of your target market. Each country’s tariff schedule lists customs duty rates by HS code, typically with one column for FTA partner-countries and another for non-FTA partner-countries. In some instances, the difference between FTA and non-FTA rates can be significant, whereas for other goods there could be no difference. The degree of tariff advantage you receive from an FTA therefore depends on your product. This is why FTA tariff rates may be a determining factor in entering a market in some cases but not in others.

  1. For the U.S.: Refer to the S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Under Column 1, the Special column includes NAFTA rates, and the General column is for goods originating from non-FTA countries (Column 2 applies to North Korea and Cuba only).
  2. For the EU: Current duty rates are listed in the EU’s online TARIC Also consult Find your EU Tariff Rate on Global Affairs Canada’s CETA site to see how your rates might change once the agreement is in force.
  3. For other countries: Find the link to each country’s tariff schedule on this page.

Verify whether your goods meet the rules of origin of the specific FTA in order to qualify as a Canadian-origin product. These, too, are typically listed by HS code. Your goods can only qualify for preferential tariff treatment if they meet the rules of origin. For example, if you are shipping products from Canada to the U.S. and they are deemed to originate in Vietnam, they would not benefit from the NAFTA rate.

  1. For the U.S. and Mexico: See the NAFTA overview within the broader Guide to Exporting to the United States published by the Trade Commissioner Service. Look up rules of origin by product in Annex 401 of NAFTA.
  2. For the EU: See Annex 5 – Product-Specific Rules of Origin of the CETA agreement.

Prove that you meet the rules of origin using a Certificate of Origin. See CBSA: Certification of Origin under Free Trade Agreements to access the forms (there is no CETA template yet). The Canadian Chamber of Commerce certifies your Certificate of Origin.

Another possible benefit of FTAs for goods producers is more streamlined product standards and certification requirements. For example, CETA includes a protocol on conformity assessment, allowing some Canadian products to be tested and certified for the EU market from Canada.

Selling services to an FTA country

FTA benefits are even available to companies in sectors such as software, consulting, or tourism that don’t send physical goods across borders. Here are a few:

National treatment. Both NAFTA and CETA specify that service providers in most sectors will be treated as national (i.e. local) companies. This means that they would not face artificial barriers to providing their service in a partner country, such as being required to have a physical presence there. Having these types of provisions written into FTAs makes it easier for nations to hold each other accountable in cases where discriminatory practices may occur.

Easier labour mobility for cross-border travel and employment. For example, did you know that NAFTA provides for five special visa classifications? One of these is the B-1 classification for business visitors. You may not even realize it, but when Canadians travel to the U.S. or Mexico for trade shows or business meetings, we are granted a B-1 visa upon passing through customs with no advance paperwork required. Of course, showing up with relevant documents, such as a travel itinerary, is advisable – see the hyperlink above for advice.

Services will be central to the FTAs of the future. CETA in particular is highly progressive in its provisions for service exporters because the growing importance of the service sector to the Canadian and EU economies was recognized during negotiations. See the FTA’s chapter summaries to read about CETA’s wide-ranging coverage on topics such as telecommunications, electronic commerce, and mutual recognition of professional qualifications.

Direct investment in an FTA country

Companies that provide either goods or services are aware that even with advanced communication technologies and faster shipping times, being close to customers is still a key competitive advantage.

For key markets, you may consider setting up a physical office, whether it’s to respond to customer inquiries in their language and time zone, or whether it’s to produce locally in order to deliver within days as opposed to weeks. Here are some ways that not only FTAs, but also Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (FIPAs) and Tax Treaties can make a difference:

National treatment. This is a similar concept to the one explained above: a company setting up an affiliate in an FTA or FIPA partner country is afforded the same treatment as if it were a domestically-owned company.

Avoiding double taxation. If you set up a subsidiary internationally, the revenues you make in that country may be taxed by the local government and your worldwide revenues may be taxed by the Canada Revenue Agency. This presents the possibility of having your subsidiary’s revenues taxed twice, both at home and abroad. FTAs, FIPAs, and Tax Treaties can all help to establish processes to ensure that these revenues are only taxed once.

Integrated supply chains. You may want to send employees or unfinished goods between your various international locations in order to provide better service, even out production capacity, or drive mutual learning between offices. In these cases, the benefits listed in the goods and services sections above can play a huge role in facilitating these movements so that your global operations can be as effective as possible.

FTAs are complex and each one is unique. This explains why it can be so hard to get a clear answer on how exactly your company can benefit when selling to, buying from, or investing in a partner country. Hopefully the points and hyperlinks above give you a clear starting point for understanding how to navigate – and benefit from – these agreements.

Want to know more? Read Getting the Most from Free Trade Agreements by EDC. Make sure to contact your local Trade Commissioner as well as consult relevant experts such as customs brokers, lawyers, accountants, or consultants.

Don’t hesitate to message me on LinkedIn if you have questions on how to further explore the benefits of a specific FTA for your company.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the contributing author, and do not necessarily reflect those of the Forum for International Trade Training.

The post How can Canadian SMEs benefit from free trade agreements anyway? appeared first on Trade Ready.

]]> https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/market-entry-strategies/how-can-canadian-smes-benefit-from-free-trade-agreements-anyway/feed/ 0 https://tradeready.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Canadian-SMES-benefit-from-FTAs.jpg How can Canadian SMEs take advantage of CETA? https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/market-entry-strategies/can-canadian-smes-take-advantage-ceta/ https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/market-entry-strategies/can-canadian-smes-take-advantage-ceta/#respond Mon, 13 Mar 2017 16:11:23 +0000 http://test.tradeready.ca/?p=22678 To explore the new opportunities presented by CETA, we asked some Canadian trade experts to share their take in this month's #TradeElite Twitter chat.

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CETA, a progressive trade deal between Canada and the 28 members of the European Union, passed its last hurdle on February 15 when it was signed by the EU legislature. The agreement covers almost all sectors of EU-Canada trade, eliminating 98% of trade tariffs and creating new opportunities for Canadian businesses looking for new markets.

“At its heart, CETA is a framework for trade that works for everyone,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a recent address to the EU Parliament.

So now that CETA is becoming a reality, what does that mean for Canadian businesses who are seeking new markets to trade with? To explore these new opportunities, we asked some Canadian trade experts to share their take on this new deal in this month’s #TradeElite Twitter chat. Here’s what they had to say.

Moderator: Craig Atkinson (@CraigAAtkinson) Director, International Trade and Development Consulting with Lexmerca, formerly with the ITC, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Geneva, Switzerland.

Panelists:

Siddha Param (@SiddhaParam) International Business Consultant for StrandRidge.com, based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba

Dr. Michele Vincenti, CITP (@alvana1) President & CEO of Alvana Business Consulting Inc. based out of Vancouver, BC

Audrey Ross (@TresAudrey) Logistics and Customs Specialist at Orchard International Inc. based out of Toronto

Doug Taylor, CITP (@globethoughts), Managing Director of Pacific Business Intelligence Ltd in BC

What barriers to the EU market have been lowered under CETA and how can Canadian SMEs seize related opportunities?

Will CETA make the EU market more accessible to SMEs who might have previously considered the region out of reach?

Trade agreements are complicated. Where can Canadian SMEs find info/resources on how to take advantage of CETA?

Which sectors do you think are most promising for Canadian SMEs that trade with biz and/or gov in the EU?

Which EU-country markets present the most significant trade opportunities for Canadian SMEs?

What are some examples of how Canadian SMEs from different regions/provinces might leverage CETA?

Do you have any key advice that Canadian SMEs should consider before entering the EU market?

Lastly, do you have anything else to add regarding Canadian SME participation in the EU market?

Bonus Question!

Parting advice from our moderator:

Read the rest of the chat and follow future discussions by following the #TradeElite hashtag. Stay tuned for the next #TradeElite chat, coming up Thursday, April 13 at 2:30-3:30PM ET.

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