This article highlights some of the most promising opportunities for 2026 focusing on places with strong demand, improving infrastructure, predictable regulation, and openness to international products. Let’s get started.  

What makes a market worth entering today

Before looking at specific markets, it helps to understand exactly what it is exporters are looking for in their portfolio in a period marked by increasing uncertainty in global markets: 

Ease of doing business: Efficient customs, digital documentation, predictable rules, and supportive logistics networks can significantly reduce market entry costs. 

Openness to trade and FTAs: Countries that are part of major trade agreements often provide tariff reductions and smoother administrative processes. 

Growing import demand: Strong demographics, industrial expansion, and rising levels of consumption throughout a nation all shape import patterns. 

Low or manageable political risk: Stability helps exporters plan with confidence. For most exporters, political risk is synonymous with economic risk.  

Untapped potential: Tools such as the ITC Export Potential Map offer insights into where meaningful opportunities still exist globally. Analyses such as these are crucial in mapping out new areas for your business. 

With these criteria in mind, let’s take a look in detail at some of the markets that stand out in 2026 

Top 7 export markets to consider in 2026

1. Vietnam: A fast-growing manufacturing and consumer hub

Vietnam is one of Asia’s most dynamic economies. It continues to expand rapidly in electronics, garments, furniture, and other manufacturing sectors, which also boosts demand for imported materials, components, and technologies. 

In fact, FTSE Russell recently upgraded this country to Secondary Emerging market status, which signals increasing maturity and openness.

The OECD argues that reducing FDI restrictions, improving infrastructure, and strengthening innovation capacity are key to making Vietnam more competitive and business‑friendly.

Exporters supplying machinery, industrial inputs, food products, and consumer goods often find Vietnam to be an approachable place to start or expand their market presence.  

2. India: A rising import destination with global reach

India continues to be one of the strongest performers in global trade growth. UNCTAD’s trade trends report points to India as a high-growth market with the country also steadily increasing its imports and playing a more prominent role on the import side.

Recent trade data from NITI Aayog shows India importing more from regions such as Latin America and East Africa. This reflects the country’s growing role in global supply chains and its importance under China +1 sourcing strategies.  

Exporters of machinery, chemicals, electronics, packaging materials, and renewable energy components often gain early traction in India. 

3. Indonesia: Strong commodity exports and expanding industrial needs

Indonesia remains a key growth engine in Southeast Asia. 

According to Cybex Exim’s regional data, Indonesian exports grew 12.7% year over year, driven by palm oil, minerals, rubber, and other commodities.

As these industries expand, so does the need for imported machinery, equipment, and supporting services. 

The ITC Export Potential Map also shows opportunities across a range of goods as Indonesia continues investing in infrastructure, digital systems, and industrial diversification. 

4. United Arab Emirates and the Gulf Region: A global re-export gateway

The UAE continues to stand out as an efficient global logistics hub. Visual Capitalist’s trade analysis identifies it as one of the fastest-growing trade partners between 2019 and 2024. The wider Gulf region also shows rising import demand across food, construction materials, industrial inputs, and green technologies. 

The network of free zones, predictable regulation, and strong connectivity make it a natural entry point for exporters looking to reach Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East. Moreover, its strategic location and robust logistics network have made the UAE a central hub for the import of minerals and fuels. 

In 2026, trade continues with the UAE, but with higher costs, delays, and volatility due to the US – Iran conflict.

5. Latin America: Brazil and Mexico as high-potential Buyers

Latin America remains a strong region for companies seeking to diversify beyond traditional partners. UNCTAD’s data on global trade growth shows Mexico and Brazil performing particularly well, surpassed only by India and China.  

Brazil continues to import high volumes of machinery, chemicals, renewable energy inputs, and consumer goods as large infrastructure and energy projects move forward. Mexico benefits from its integration through USMCA and is a major importer of electronics, automotive components, and industrial supplies. 

6. Sub-Saharan Africa with a focus on East Africa: Rapidly growing consumption and infrastructure Needs

East African markets such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia are becoming important markets for exporters to consider. East Africa’s trade outlook for 2026–2027 is cautiously optimistic, supported by stronger regional growth, infrastructure investment, and ongoing economic reforms, but the region remains vulnerable to rising energy costs, global trade disruptions, and food insecurity.

The IMF notes that higher fuel, fertilizer, and shipping prices are increasing pressure on trade balances, particularly for oil-importing economies in East Africa.

The region’s main exports are largely agricultural and primary commodities including coffee, tea, horticultural products, minerals, and textiles, while its main imports are fuel, machinery, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, and industrial equipment needed for infrastructure and manufacturing growth. 

7. South Korea: A stable, high value import market 

South Korea is an advanced and predictable market with strong import needs across machinery, electronics, automotive parts, food products, and medical goods. Its close integration with both Western and Asian supply chains makes it a reliable destination for exporters who prefer stable, mature markets. 

 South Korea’s trade outlook for 2026–2027 is moderately positive, driven by strong semiconductor exports tied to global AI and technology demand, alongside a gradual recovery in domestic consumption. However, the country remains vulnerable to slowing global growth, rising trade protectionism, and geopolitical uncertainty.

Semiconductors are Korea’s leading export, while its main imports include crude oil, natural gas, and industrial inputs used in manufacturing and technology production. 

Renewable energy opportunity zones: Brazil and Chile

The renewable energy sector deserves its own mention. Countries such as Brazil and Chile are investing heavily in solar, wind, and battery storage capacity. This creates demand for turbines, panels, inverters, energy management systems, and engineering services. 

The International Energy Agency (IEA) mention continued growth in clean energy infrastructure across LatAm, which can be a strategic diversification route for exporters in green tech, metals, electronics, and industrial solutions. 

How exporters can move from insight to action

Use data tools to validate market fit: Resources like the ITC Export Potential Map, World Bank logistics indicators, and regional trade databases help exporters ground their decisions in evidence and statistics.  

Take advantage of FTAs and tariff benefits: Trade agreements can support pricing strategy and make market entry more competitive. 

Start with a phased entry strategy: Many exporters begin with a distributor, agent, or pilot shipment, then adapt based on feedback and local standards. 

Plan for compliance and risk management early: Preparing for certifications, currency considerations, and political risk improves the odds of a smooth entry. 

Leverage trade missions and government support: Trade missions, export advising programs, and local chambers of commerce can reduce costs and help companies identify partners more quickly. 

What this means for your diversification strategy

In 2026 diversifying your export markets is as much about protecting your business as it is about growth. Vietnam, India, and Indonesia are booming with rising demand; South Korea deliver predictability and logistical efficiency; and Latin America and East Africa are fast becoming regions to watch, with growing consumer markets and long-term potential.

For exporters looking to spread risk and seize global opportunities, these markets are where the next decade of trade is being written. 

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Despite NAFTA’s pivotal role in facilitating over $1 trillion of trade each year between Canada, the United States and Mexico, Trump’s administration has on several occasions called for the end of NAFTA or to have significant portions of it re-negotiated to favour American interests.

Re-negotiations began in early 2017, and since then progress has since been made in some areas. Those involved in discussions remain hopeful, but Trump’s attitude towards the agreement remains a wild card and its continued future is by no means guaranteed.

So what would happen if the United States decided to terminate NAFTA, and how can you prepare to handle the resulting scenarios?

How will tariffs be affected?

The consensus among experts is that if NAFTA is terminated, trade would then be governed by the World Trade Organization (WTO) Most Favoured Nation status tariff rules. They stipulate that if a country implements a lower customs duty rate for a product for one country, it must then do so for all WTO members.

Stephen Walkom of the Toronto Star concluded that under these rules, 41% of Canadian exports to the U.S. would remain tariff-free, with most others receiving only small tariffs. The Financial Post surmised that tariffs under these rules would average 3.5% in the U.S., 4.2% in Canada and 7.1% in Mexico, while RBC Economics Research estimates 4% tariffs would be the average for Canadian exports.

Speculation continues regarding whether the previous Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement signed in the late 1980s would come back into effect. Many have concluded it would have to be re-implemented before going into force. In that case, the agreement would likely be re-negotiated as well, facing many of the same hurdles NAFTA currently faces. Trump has expressed a preference for bilateral trade agreements to their multilateral counterparts and focused most of his attention on U.S.-Mexico trade complaints. However, a seamless transition from NAFTA to a bilateral Canada-U.S. agreement remains unlikely at best.

Trade between Canada and Mexico comprises only about $40 billion of the over $1 trillion of trade done between the NATFA countries each year, but also faces the most straightforward solution. Even without NAFTA, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) would eliminate almost all tariffs between Canada and Mexico, both signatories to the agreement. This would then produce an almost identical tariff environment to that which they currently enjoy under NAFTA.

How would Canada and Mexico react?

Canadian officials, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, have remained optimistic in their outlook on NAFTA in comments to the media, stating that moving forward with NAFTA in place is their expected result. While they have mentioned that several contingency plans are in place, no specific details have been offered.

Pivots to Europe, the Pacific region covered by the CPTPP and the Chinese market would be expected as part of any contingency plans, should NAFTA fall apart. With the vast majority of Canadian exports still heading to the U.S., however, efforts to help Canadian businesses navigate any new tariffs and negotiate any new trade agreement to replace it would also be a high priority.

Mexico has been more transparent in its planning efforts, in part because of contention over NAFTA’s future in the lead-up to their July 2018 presidential election. Their likely Plan B would be to diversify trade with as many new trade deals as possible. Mexican officials have recently discussed free trade with Brazil, Argentina and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), consisting of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Their exports to Brazil, Canada, Japan and the EU all grew in 2017 as well.

Some Mexican politicians have also pushed a Plan C to eliminate as many tariffs as possible and become a “Latin Singapore” to encourage more trade with other countries.

Develop your Plan B to thrive in a post-NAFTA environment

According to a recent survey of Canadian businesses, 75% feel the outcome of NAFTA will affect their decision making processes, but 66% have no contingency plan for if it ends.

With this in mind, what steps do you need to take to protect your business from tariffs that could wreck your bottom line, re-orient your supply chain or adjust your sales strategy to better fit the rules without NAFTA in place?

The first step you need to take is to evaluate the full role of NAFTA on your day-to-day operations and finances.

What NAFTA clauses do you use when transporting goods across borders? Do you or your employees/colleagues travel for work across NAFTA borders to offer services or complete sales? How could your customers, clients, suppliers and other businesses you work with be affected? These questions will help you start to understand the full effect on your business, so you can start developing contingency plans.

Once you understand the full scope of its effects, you’ll need to determine what additional costs or other hurdles your company would face in each scenario:  the continuation of NAFTA, trade under the CPTPP or a bilateral Canada-U.S. free trade agreement, trade under the WTO most favoured nation status, or any additional tariffs or regulations that may be implemented. While some businesses may be able to do this themselves, getting help from a customs broker or agent may be a good idea for other businesses to ensure details are factored in and each HS code is classified properly.

Next, you should talk to your suppliers, clients and customers about the potential effects of NAFTA termination on your relationship. If rules of origin changes take place, you may need to change the way your goods are sourced or where they are created to avoid substantial financial penalties.

Finally, you need to develop several plans for each potential scenario, detailing exactly how your business will be affected, what steps you will take to address those changes and how your operational efficiency, supply chains, and finances will respond as a result.

For some businesses, this may be as small as acknowledging a few extra tariffs that will need to be paid, and making minor adjustments to accommodate that in the bottom line. For others, moving business to other countries, making structural changes to their supply chain, or altering partner relationships may be required to maintain a profitable long-term business future.

Whatever the end result, now is the time to start preparing your NAFTA Plan B

Whether trade between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico continues under NAFTA, WTO rules, new trade agreements or something else, the three markets will still be integral for businesses in each country and billions of dollars of trade will cross the borders between them each year.

With so many potential outcomes to the current NAFTA situation, it’s important for the businesses buying and selling across those borders to be prepared for any scenario. While it may seem daunting, taking the proper steps to address each potential issue will save you a lot of time and stress later on.

Once you fully analyze NAFTA’s effects on your business, understand the potential new costs and legal changes that would come into place if the deal is terminated, talk to the businesses you work with and develop new plans, your business will be ready for even the worst case scenario.

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Speaking at an event in Ottawa in June, Canada’s Ambassador to the United States David MacNaughton spoke at length about his outlook on Canada-U.S. trade relations and the upcoming NAFTA renegotiations. He reassured the audience that,

To significantly change the core of NAFTA would also hurt the U.S. It’s just not in the U.S.’ best interest.

From the very start of his campaign, President Trump has nevertheless consistently spoken about the “bad deal” that is NAFTA. But with trade between Canada, Mexico and the United states topping $1.1 trillion in 2016, there has been major concern over what would happen to these significant trading relationships should NAFTA be ripped up or re-negotiated.

After months of speculation, the U.S.  released their plans, contextualized by MacNaughton as a “position paper”, last Monday. This was followed closely by the announcement that the first round of renegotiation talks will officially begin August 16 in Washington.

What does the U.S. want?

Though there are a few pointed items that will likely make negotiations challenging, MacNaughton said he saw no real surprises in the “laundry list” of negotiation objectives released by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.

Most of the items in the 18-page objectives summary match up with the priorities in Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation established in 2015. Much of the document was also consistent with U.S.-Canada-Mexico negotiations from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal that Trump pulled out of in January.

But the United States’ objective of removing NAFTA chapter 19, a dispute resolution clause that allows countries to appeal anti-dumping duties, will be met by significant resistance from both Canada and Mexico. In the ongoing spat between Canada and the U.S. over Canadian softwood lumber, this clause has allowed Canada to avoid significant countervailing duties.

MacNaughton said Canada would be willing to discuss whether this chapter needed to be “improved or modernized. … But there needs to be some kind of a dispute resolution mechanism. It’s part of the agreement.”

Dairy farmers in Canada and the U.S. will also be fighting to be heard throughout the negotiations. U.S. farmers have argued that Canada has been hurting their industry by unfairly protecting its dairy market. A provision to remove these protections from Canada’s dairy industry is included in the Lighthizer’s list of objectives.

What does Canada want?

Months ago, Canada stated that it was ready for NAFTA negotiations. When discussing the biggest trade issues Canada faces with the U.S.  – a proposed Border Adjustment Tax, softwood lumber disagreements and NAFTA renegotiation – Ambassador MacNaughton stated that he expects discussions to go well for Canada, but added the caveat that there will be bumps in the road.

In preparing for NAFTA renegotiations, MacNaughton said “It was discussed in advance that with the 24 year old agreement – pre-existing Amazon and the ecommerce boom – there is a lot that can and should be updated.”

In the U.S., the law requires full disclosure of negotiation objectives. However, this transparency is not required of the Canadian government. Last week MPs from both opposition parties requested a meeting be held to discuss Canada’s approach to the negotiations.

Several groups have voiced their concerns regarding the renegotiations. The United Steelworkers Union have submitted their desire to remove the controversial investor-state dispute resolution clause in NAFTA’s chapter 11. Modernized customs processes and increased labour mobility are among the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters proposals.

A number of Canada’s industries are also set to push back on U.S. objectives stating Canadian and Mexican companies should face increased restrictions from U.S. state and local governments when bidding on their contracts.

“Obviously if we could get a clarification on the trading relationship sooner rather than later it would be better, but having said that we’re not going to rush in to a bad deal,” MacNaughton said last week.

What does Mexico want?

The current terms of the NAFTA agreement protect Mexico and Canada from trade barriers imposed by the U.S. to protect their more vulnerable industries. Mexico’s Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo spoke about his apprehension over the U.S. removing these protections from the agreement.  “This will all have to be subject to the three sides, being in agreement in the process,” he stated last week.

Guajardo also raised concerns over removing NAFTA’s chapter 19. “What I have said insistently in my conversations with my colleagues is that we’re delighted to review trade balances provided that we focus on how to improve them by expanding commerce, not by reducing it,” he said.

On the more encouraging side, Guajardo stated, “what is positive is that the U.S. themselves paraphrased that they won’t reintroduce quotas or tariffs during this process (of renegotiation).”

Who will be involved in negotiations?

Ambassador MacNaughton will play a key role in the negotiations from the Canadian side. And we can expect involvement from all of Canada’s premiers at every stage of the negotiations. Kirsten Hillman, the lead negotiator for the TPP talks and a senior official on softwood lumber issues, will act as MacNaughton’s deputy in Washington and will also play a significant role. Canada’s negotiating team will be led by Steve Verheul, the chief negotiator for CETA.

Representing the U.S. at the negotiating table is the Trump administration’s chief negotiator John Melle, the assistant trade representative responsible for U.S. trade policy in the Western Hemisphere.

Economy Minister Guajardo will be integral to negotiations for Mexico, alongside Mexico’s Foreign Minister, Luis Videgaray who is also expected to take a senior role at the table.

All parties involved seem to want a timely agreement, but rather than looking at months or weeks, legislators warn that this could be a long process. With upcoming Presidential elections in Mexico and mid-term elections in the U.S. coming in 2018, the shuffle in focus, policies, and players could have a major delaying effect on negotiations and ratification. However, all three parties have agreed to aim for a close to negotiations by the end of 2018.

Although renegotiations of this pivotal trade agreement throw a shade of uncertainty over the future of trade between the three nations, Canada’s Ambassador remains positive in his outlook.

“The U.S. is realizing that Canada is a trusted partner – important for creating jobs all over the United States. As long as we can continue to demonstrate that, we will be successful in our trade relationship with the U.S.,” Ambassador MacNaughton stated.

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A few weeks ago, I spoke at the Economic Development Council in Brownsville, TX about the urgent need to bring manufacturing back to America.  Brownsville is an economically depressed area with 7-8% unemployment rate.  The city is working very hard to attract new manufacturers and jobs to the region by making it an attractive location for factories.

With Trump’s promises to bring manufacturing back, there is a lot of speculation regarding whether this means outsourced jobs will be coming back from Mexico and into the Rio Grande Valley region, including Brownsville. Perhaps, but at what price?

The current economy in Brownsville is dependent on the Mexico-U.S. border crossing that separates the city from Matamoros on the Mexico side. This cross-border trade provides a significant portion of jobs in Brownsville such as import brokers and their staff, truckers, warehousing and distribution services.

South of the border

On the Mexico side of the border there are huge industrial manufacturing sites in Matamoros and the industrial areas of Monterrey. In this region, Mexicans make everything from apparel to electronics and automotive parts.

Companies move to Mexico, to take advantage of low-cost labor and low-cost operating environments. Labor rates in some parts of Mexico are on par with China.

In addition, NAFTA adds to the economic appeal of manufacturing in Mexico by eliminating import tariffs between the three signatory countries: Canada, US, and Mexico.

So what might happen in Brownsville, and all along the Rio Grande Valley border areas if NAFTA is renegotiated or the U.S. withdraws from the treaty altogether, as Trump has promised? There are certainly two sides to this story. About half of the residents in the Rio Grande Valley region voted for Trump and half for Clinton, and they will readily offer their differing opinions.

Not your grandfather’s manufacturing job

No matter what the pundits on either side are predicting, and even if NAFTA is modified or scrapped altogether, it is unlikely that all of these jobs will come back to America. Returning manufacturing to anywhere in the U.S. is likely to provide opportunities to modernize and automate production, thereby reducing operating costs and enhancing productivity – ultimately requiring far fewer workers.

Much has changed in the 20 years since NAFTA came into effect. The jobs needed in advanced manufacturing factories are fewer and very different than they were when American manufacturing headed south to Mexico and west to China.

Today’s advanced manufacturing jobs require a host of new skills and technology, for which workers will have to be retrained.

Advanced factories today are full of robots, computerized machine tools, 3D printing and IoT connected machines. These things require completely different skills from those of even one generation ago.

If the NAFTA treaty ended, the U.S. would be free to increase tariff rates on imports, presumably to make manufacturing in the U.S. seem more cost competitive.  But import tariffs mask the problem and allow companies to get lazy about being cost-efficient.  Instead of focusing on productivity improvements and cost cutting, manufacturers wouldn’t have to do much to compete with higher-priced imports. Tariffs protect companies from foreign competition.  Meanwhile, we know that U.S. consumers will have to pay more for imported goods as well as American-made goods. The consumer loses either way.

Another Smoot- Hawley?

On the other hand, there are economists who say that NAFTA has caused the loss of countless jobs to the lower-cost environments in Mexico, and that these jobs will come back in a post-NAFTA trade environment. They argue that instead of doing nothing, we should take every opportunity to raise all import tariffs, eliminate trade agreements, and close our borders to immigrants and trade. This, some say, will make America competitive, even though there is no gain in productivity or cost reduction in American manufacturing.

What they may be forgetting is that we have gone down this pathway before with the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, which raised tariffs on about 900 products.  Historians blame Smoot-Hawley for triggering the Great Depression of the 1930s.  They point out that Smoot-Hawley caused sharp increases in consumer prices, which led to consumers buying fewer products, which in turn led to low demand, lay-offs, high unemployment and ultimately the stock market crash.

For sure, NAFTA has its problems. The import/export paperwork required to track goods moving across the borders and the associated record-keeping can be onerous. Special rules for truckers from Mexico have taken a toll on American truckers, and the effects don’t end there.

But overall, most economists think NAFTA has had a net positive effect on the U.S. economy.

I hope we have learned our lesson from American history. To revitalize American manufacturing we must focus on innovation, automation, productivity and cost efficiency. Let’s not allow history to repeat itself.

For more information on maximizing your supply chain efficiency and navigating the legal issues, check out Rosemary Coates best-selling books 42 Rules for Sourcing and Manufacturing in China and Legal Blacksmith – How to Avoid and Defend Supply Chain Disputes.

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As a child growing up in Mexico, Alejandro’s interest in learning more about other cultures was already starting to develop.

“I have been interested in international trade since I was very young. I’ve always been fascinated by other cultures, so I thought that studying international trade would help broaden my view of the world. I also thought it would allow me to interact with all different cultures and discover new products and services that I could bring back to my community to make it richer and more diverse.”

To pursue his dream, he decided to move from Mexico to Vancouver, Canada, which appealed to him as a diverse and multicultural city. After arriving in Vancouver, Alejandro discovered the FITTskills program at Anderson National College, which helped him build the knowledge and skills he needed to get his career started.

“My experience taking the FITT courses was great, I found them very practical and easy to comprehend. Even after graduating and starting my career, I often go check my FITTskills textbooks to look for information that could help me make better and more informed decisions at work.”

International Market Entry Strategies was my favourite course as I’m a big fan of evaluating market entry options and developing the strategy for a target market. For me, that’s as exciting as it gets, and is the most fun part of international trade.

He also excelled in his studies, and was proud to earn the FITT Best Business Plan Award in 2007 for the plan he created as a project for the International Trade Management course.

Managing the logistics of railway tracks and athletic wear

Alejandro’s success was not limited to the classroom, and quickly translated to his first job in international trade.

“I was not sure if I would be able to find a job, as I was still fairly new to Canada. However, I soon got my first job in international trade as a logistics coordinator, which was the beginning of my international business career.”

This first position was with voestalpine Nortrak, North America’s leading manufacturer and supplier of railway tracks and materials.

“I remember my time there fondly. It was great to work in the railway industry and help with moving hundreds of tons of cargo across the country.”

After nearly four years, he received a new opportunity with a company locally based in Vancouver but with wide national and international recognition: Lululemon.

“I have great memories of my time at Lululemon working as a logistics specialist on their team, there were so many fun projects I had the opportunity to work on there. That’s what I like about international trade: no matter what industry you’re in, everyone needs a trade professional!”

Staying true to his original vision

While Alejandro enjoyed his time with Lululemon, he still wanted to enact his original goal of bringing more products and services to Mexico, and continue the process of connecting his home community with the rest of the world through international trade.

To do so, he decided to found his own consulting company, Salomon Group Consulting, and co-found his own trading company, Deliro Trading Co.

I’m really proud of co-founding Deliro. It’s a community-oriented trading company that sources spices and other Mexican food products from small suppliers in Mexico and brings them to the Canadian market.

His consulting company plays a crucial role as well, focusing on offering services for companies interested in importing from or exporting to Mexico, or outsourcing production there. He also offers project management services, such as recent project he worked on improving efficiency for Telus.

Amidst the successes of his various business ventures, he’s glad he learned the importance of staying on top of what customers want and recommends those just starting out in international trade do the same.

“Always talk to your customers, and stay flexible and dynamic so you can adapt quickly. We live in a world where consumer trends are changing very fast. People are making more informed decisions every time, and that’s altering the way they consume and what they consume. Be involved with your community – you’ll learn a lot!”

Joining a community of “likeminded trade gurus”

After gaining these years of experience, he applied to become an elite CITP®|FIBP® designation holder and is proud of gaining the recognition of his talents, as well as the potential to open up future business opportunities, now that he has earned the credential.

“I was interested in obtaining a designation that could validate my experience and knowledge in international trade and becoming part of a community of likeminded trade gurus. It’s awesome to be able to validate my thorough experience in international trade and to be part of such a recognized organization. I think it opens up a lot of doors, as I believe that international trade will continue to be the backbone of the economy and certified trade professionals will play an important role in that economy.”

With a strong vision for his future, he is poised to continue to be a successful leader in international trade for many years to come.

The post Alejandro Salomon, CITP|FIBP – Project Manager appeared first on Trade Ready.

With the new administration in action, have you become a bit nervous about the U.S. as an export destination? I’ve recently spoken with many companies from around the world. Most of them said that since President Trump’s inauguration, they are unsure of their future because the U.S. is their only or biggest export market, and they now consider themselves at risk.

The ironic thing is that, whether they realized it or not, they always were at risk.

It is essential to diversify your exports and not depend on one market, especially when that market is as big as the U.S.

Diversifying your export markets, and therefore spreading out the risks, should have been a priority right from the start; but now, the pressure is on.

The good news is, there are plenty of other interesting markets elsewhere, especially in Latin America, that offer the opportunity for growth. Like Canada and the U.S., Latin America is a continent of immigrants, and it offers the opportunity to create scale. This especially applies to Brazil, which has more than 200 million inhabitants. The continent has gone through some major changes in the past 15 years, politically, socially and economically.

For almost all of the LATAM countries, these changes have been for the better. This comes with the one exception of Venezuela, where things have gone from bad to worse to terrible. Unfortunately, that country should not be on your export destinations wish list.

Get involved in infrastructure in Brazil and Argentina

Let’s look at the two biggest economies in South America: Brazil and Argentina. Both countries have new administrations and offer more export opportunities than ever before.

The previous administrations were very protectionist, whereas the new ones recognize the importance of international trade (and not just their own exports) as important means to further develop their domestic industries and quality level. Both countries have experienced major crises, but are now on their way to recovery. It will be a bumpy ride, but definitely one with a positive outlook.

Don’t wait until these economies are fully back on track and growing fast – go there now.

Both Argentina and Brazil have indicated that developing their infrastructure is a top priority, and necessary to increase domestic economic activity and resume growth. This includes air and road transport, energy and cargo logistics. Agritech is another sector that offers plenty of opportunities for companies wanting to export there. In Brazil, luxury retail items and products related to health and cosmetics are also growing markets.

Both countries have a long way to go to improve food security, quality standards (especially for products meant for export), precision agriculture, and harvesting technologies with preference for sustainable techniques (i.e. Brazil’s poultry sector needs to reduce water consumption). In Argentina, there are opportunities to provide solutions for the underperforming dairy industry as well.

Brazil and Argentina are part of the Mercosur, South America’s biggest trade bloc. There is tariff-free trade between the member countries, but they currently do not have free trade agreements with any other nations. That can be considered a negative issue, and of course it poses a challenge, but the absence of a free trade agreement should not be a reason to overlook these two export markets. If anything, there may be more opportunities if you decide to seriously work in these markets. You will need to build strong export tactics and strategies, but will likely face less competition for your exports.

Time to say Hola to Mexico

Another country where your company can grow is Mexico, home to over 100 million people – the second largest economy in Latin America. Mexico is predicted to be the world’s seventh-largest economy in 2050. Typical of most countries in Latin America, and unlike many Western countries, Mexico has a growing middle class (now almost 50% of the population). This middle class likes to spend money on health and beauty products, food (especially convenience foods), home and kitchen appliances, clothing and footwear.

The current quarrels between Mexico and the U.S. may actually prove to be beneficial to Canadian exports. Mexico offers opportunities in (but not limited to) electrical engineering, infrastructure, healthcare (equipment, generic and over the counter drugs), energy, and agriculture.
Mexico is also looking to further develop its floriculture sector. They are seeking active collaboration with the Dutch, but there are opportunities for companies worldwide with activities related to greenhouse development.

Be prepared to make a commitment to LATAM

I would love to discuss each country in Latin America individually, since so many of them offer great potential. Unfortunately, there is no room for that here, but let me state that in general Latin America offers excellent export opportunities in healthcare, energy, infrastructure, retail, agriculture and construction. These countries need to diversify their own industries (beyond commodities) and are in need of technology, innovation, urban development and improved productivity. The growing middle class is prepared to pay premium prices for better products and services.

Exporting to Latin America is not for companies who like an easy ride.

It’s for the ones that are ready to take on the challenge and see the benefits of working with Latin American markets for a long period of time. The region offers many opportunities to companies willing to spend the time, effort and money. You may not find short-term ROI, but if you plan for ROI in two to three years and work the market as you are supposed to, you can profit from it immensely.

Preparation is essential if you want to have any chance of success. Market research and due diligence are your insurance against market entry failure, especially in Latin America.

But if you do it well, having a bit of salsa and samba in your exports can truly make a difference to your company. More diversification, more revenue, more global impact and more fun. Start now!

The post Here’s where you’ll find the biggest LATAM market entry opportunities in 2017 appeared first on Trade Ready.

That same year, Canada imported five times more to Mexico than it exported, with total exports of nearly $6.6B CAD and imports totaling $31.2B. This means many Mexican companies are already in the Canadian market and could serve as business partners to Canadian companies interested in importing from Mexico.

Interestingly, the inverse trend presented itself in foreign direct investment, as Canadian companies have found huge opportunities in the Mexican market which should continue to grow. Mexico invested $1.4B in Canada in 2015, while Canada invested $14.8B in Mexico.

Recent signs point to a deepening Canada-Mexico trade relationship

Canada’s relationship with Mexico has never been better. In fact, on June 28th^, 2016, the Governments of Canada and Mexico agreed that a strong relationship between their two countries is vital to creating jobs, strengthening the middle class, and ensuring sustainable economic growth.

During their bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Enrique Peña Nieto renewed their close relationship on the environment, climate change and energy, and highlighted the opportunity for North America to become the world’s most competitive player in the clean growth economy.

Canada and Mexico also have a strong and growing relationship when it comes to education. This cooperation is supported by over 400 inter-institutional agreements between Canadian and Mexican higher education institutions, as well as significant collaboration between Canadian provinces and territories and Mexican states.

Both governments also offer scholarships to attract students or researchers from the other country. Mexico is now Canada’s 10th largest source country for international students, hosting more than 5,000 Mexican students in 2015.

Not only do Mexican students come to study, it is estimated that in British Columbia alone there are at least 21,000 dual citizens who have decided to stay in Canada.

The Mexican-Canadian community of British Columbia is full of individuals with the highest academic degrees from universities around the world; businessmen developing new industries in the province, technology developers, post-graduate students, artists, and overall individuals with very strong attachments to this country we now call home.

Nearly 2 million Canadians also travel to Mexico every year for both business and pleasure. A significant number of Canadians, particularly retirees, have purchased property in Mexico and spend extended periods of time there enjoying the warm weather. Northbound, Canada has recently seen an increase in visitors from Mexico as well. According to the Canadian Tourism Commission, more than 200,000 Mexicans vacationed in Canada during 2015.

In addition, Canada receives approximately 20,000 agricultural workers annually under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program, often cited as a model for international labor mobility arrangements. The workers provide much needed help to local farmers.

What makes the Mexican market an intriguing option for Canadian businesses?

Mexico is ranked 38th worldwide in the World Bank Group’s Doing Business 2016 rankings, an improvement from 42nd in 2015. Mexico is also ranked 5th this year in its ability to obtain credit, a major improvement from 12th in 2015.

This means that it is relatively easy for entrepreneurs who want to develop their business in Mexico to access credit from financial institutions .

As of June 2016, according to Statistics Canada’s Harmonized System data, Canada exported more than it imported from Mexico in live animals, pulp of wood or other fibrous cellulosic material, and base metals. The data shows Canada has the lead in those products and more of these goods can be exported to Mexico because of high demand.

Export Development Canada (EDC) is present in Mexico to help Canadian companies interested in exporting to the country. Likewise, offices for ProMexico, the country’s trade and investment promotion organization, are also present in Canada to help Canadian companies that want to do business in Mexico. Canadian entrepreneurs should consult with both organizations before starting a business in Mexico.

Are you prepared to take advantage of the opportunities available to you?

There is a tremendous opportunity for Canadians interested in the Mexican market, and the time is right to take comprehensive global business training such as the FITTskills program. An informed and knowledgeable trader is the only one who is prepared to capitalize on the global business opportunities available. Preparing entrepreneurs and employees to deal with the challenges of today’s business is what organizations like FITT are here for.

To further discuss the economic implications and explore future business opportunities, I will be speaking at the Mexican-Canadian Forum on International Trade in Vancouver, British Columbia on September 7th, 2016

This year’s topic is “International Trading and the Free Trade Multilateral Treaties”. The Forum will have keynote speakers from Mexico, Canada, and Europe delivering their presentations and experience with particular attention to the industries that connect Canada and Mexico such as mining, banking, technology and services.

If you’re interested in better understanding the latest trading trends between Canada and Mexico, please visit the event page to find out more and register for the event.

The post Why the Mexican market is more important than ever for Canadian businesses appeared first on Trade Ready.

Though talk of international trade these days is often dominated by trans-oceanic agreements like the TPP, TTIP, CETA and other FTAs, Canada, the United States and Mexico all continue to rely heavily on trade with one another.

Even amidst increasing global opportunities for growth, the fate of the three economies remains largely intertwined. Many agree that the North American nations’ best path towards international economic growth is through increased cooperation and trade with one another.

Gathering to talk about North American trade

During the Hill Times event “A New North American Future” on March 24, these arguments were expanded and reinforced by a group of experienced senior trade experts.

Mexican Ambassador to Canada Agustin Garcia-Lopez introduced the event and began by explaining that “When I was young, a North American trade agreement would have been considered taboo.”

Since NAFTA was put in place in 1994, trade between the three North American powerhouses has quadrupled, eclipsing the one trillion U.S. dollar mark for the first time in 2015.

There are now approximately 647,000 cross-border visits per day between NAFTA countries, and two million dollars’ worth of trade per minute.

The Ambassador explained NAFTA’s success by observing that, “there are now well-integrated global value chains in aerospace, manufacturing. In 1993, not even the most optimistic could have imagined such amazing results.”

He concluded by arguing that the TPP will only strengthen the relationship between the trilateral relationship, and stated, “desperate calls for protectionism must be dampened…We must privilege a North American future based on solidarity and mutual respect.”

Freer borders and stronger negotiating tactics

As panel members spoke, they each explained the benefits of closer North American ties from their perspective. Eric Miller, VP of Policy, Cybersecurity and North America for the Business Council of Canada, argued that the three countries needed to use digital tools to improve border security through pre-clearance procedures and shared no-fly lists.

Even if the TPP is formally adopted, he argued, trade between NAFTA countries would still hold inherent advantages because of their proximity and shared landmass. Improving border efficiency would only magnify these advantages.

Miller argues the TPP make sense for all three countries because it involves existing major trade partners.

On top of the trans-pacific agreement, the top 80 Canadian exporters also have a combined 200,000 suppliers, so the effects of increased trade can multiply exponentially down the supply chain.

Miller’s main suggestion for improvement was the concept of cross-cumulation in North American trade agreements.

While European countries can negotiate as a single block, North American countries cannot reap the same advantages, even when they have separate trade agreements with the same countries.

By finding ways to integrate the various North American trade agreements with international markets, they could improve their bargaining position and secure better terms for exporters in their countries.

Manufacturing still key to North American prosperity

Matthew Wilson, VP of National Policy for Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME), added that despite the waves of outsourcing over the past 15-20 years, manufacturing is still the basis of North American trade as 80% of it has consisted of manufactured goods.

New technology has also created opportunities to build factories within North America over the past five years, particularly in the aerospace and automotive industries.

Nearly a million new manufacturing jobs in the U.S. have been created since 2010, and Mexico is now rising fast in the rankings of the world’s top 10 auto manufacturing countries.

Since the extensive North American parts trade means that the average car crosses a North American border seven times before its final sale, open borders and strong trading relationships are essential to continuing to foster this manufacturing resurgence.

Wilson also backed Miller’s call for greater cross-cumulation in North American trade agreements, and argued that ultimately, North American companies will have trouble domestically if they’re not entering new markets and succeeding there: “If we’re not competitive in North America, we won’t drive investment in manufacturing.”

Don’t fear the specter of recession

Mairead Lavery, Senior VP, Business Development at Export Development Canada (EDC), focused on how the strength of North American trade shows a future of growth, not recession.

While many based fears of recession on falling commodity prices, Lavery counterintuitively argued that the trend was actually a positive sign.

“We truly believe that when we look at this volatility, it’s actually because during the financial crisis, companies had invested money in bonds and commodities.”

“Now, they’re pulling money out of commodities, which drives prices down but the money will be used for global investment and growth…If growth can take root and sustain itself, it creates demand for Canada and Mexico to sell more to the U.S., and serves as a pillar for growth.”

She also discussed the importance of leveraging North American supply chains for companies to go global. North American countries present excellent export markets for one another.

Most Canadian companies begin their international business by exporting to the U.S. before expanding to other OECD countries, and then finally to emerging markets.

Though only 40,000 Canadian companies are direct exporters, statistics show that there are actually 100,000 Canadian companies involved in exporting once service exports and indirect exports which go through other companies are taken into account.

These companies must now continue to strengthen their North American ties to facilitate increased global growth and success.

The post The future for North American trade is actually brighter than ever appeared first on Trade Ready.

A dispute over meat imports and exports between the U.S. and trading partners Canada and Mexico is starting to heat up, following a decision in late May by the World Trade Organization.

The U.S. passed a law in 2002 which would require all meat sold in the U.S. to carry country-of-origin-labeling (COOL) to indicate where the livestock was born, raised, and slaughtered.

Canada and Mexico contend that this regulation is protectionist, as the regulations impose costs on non-American meat vendors.

The WTO had ruled in favour of Canada and Mexico in 2014, and then again in their favor in May.

Trade penalties against the U.S. proposed

In response to the latest ruling, Mexico and Canada have asked the WTO to authorize sanctions on the U.S. amounting to US$3 billion. Canada is seeking a US$2.4 billion penalty on the U.S., while Mexico would like the WTO to impose a US$653 million penalty.

Canada is also aiming to impose a 100% tariff on the following U.S. products: furniture, liquor, wine, jewelry, prepared food, baked goods, chocolates, pasta, grains, vegetables and fruits.

Canada’s agriculture minister Gerry Ritz is pressuring the U.S. to repeal the COOL legislation.

The only way for the United States to avoid billions [of dollars] in immediate retaliation is to repeal the COOL law,

CBC News quoted Ritz June 4.

The WTO is scheduled to address the request for these penalties in a June 17 meeting.

The U.S. Trade Representative spokesperson hit back, saying: “It is notable that neither Canada nor Mexico provided any justification for the numbers they asserted.”

Food quality organizations have attacked Canada and Mexico, arguing that the U.S. should be able to impose the regulations in the interests of the health and safety of meat customers.

The U.S. is already feeling the costs of COOL

The Canadian consul in Dallas, Texas, Sara Wilshaw, argues that the rules are punitive not only for Canadian and Mexican meat exporters but also for those in the meat-raising and processing industry in the U.S.

“The measures have led to losses of over US$8.5 billion to the U.S. beef industry and US$1.7 billion to the U.S. pork industry over 10 years, according to a 2015 U.S. Department of Agriculture study,” she wrote in The Dallas Morning News on June 5.

An estimated 6,000 American jobs have already been lost due to plant closures associated with the rules.

Should the costly retaliations threatened by Canada and Mexico come into existence, she said, it could have an even larger impact on the sector.

Is the end of COOL near?

Several representatives to the U.S. House of Representatives have quickly put together a bill, HR 2393, that would repeal the COOL measures applying to the labeling of beef, chicken and pork. A vote on the measure is expected on July 11.

The house is expected to vote for bill, in an effort to bypass the billions in punitive measures threatened by Canada and Mexico.

The Product Marketing Association in the U.S. estimates that approximately US$1 billion in annual produce exports could be lost should Congress fail to pass the bill.

Canada and Mexico first voiced their objections to the COOL legislation in December 2008.

Do you think the COOL law is unfair?

The post Canada and Mexico get bullish over COOL meat trade wars with U.S. appeared first on Trade Ready.

Diana de la Huerta Gaston, CITP®|FIBP®, is a Trade Commissioner Assistant working for the Agri-food Section at the Embassy of Canada in Mexico.

Since starting her career in international trade, Diana has relentlessly pursued opportunities to train and educate herself, and views her new designation as proof that she has all of the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to stand out as a leading professional in her field.

Starting her exciting career in international trade

Diana graduated with a Bachelor’s in International Relations, and her career began at the Mexican Embassy in Canada. Her first position was with Citizenship and Immigration Canada, and then she moved on to work with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD).

Once she took her current position with the Trade Commissioner Service, Diana was placed in charge of assisting Canadian firms in the development of business strategies and corporate planning in their expansion of international business. Her role is to build, promote and expand export markets for these companies as well as to facilitate market intelligence.

She also assists with the planning and co-ordination of relevant projects, events and shows, marketing Canadian agri-food products via social media and promotional events, and with the market access team to facilitate the entry of Canadian agri-food exports into Mexico.

Major career accomplishments

Diana coordinated and supervised the Sabores de Canadá Website project aimed at positioning Canada as a first choice supplier of Agri-Food products in the local market.

This website showcases activities and events promoting Canadian Agri-Food products in Mexico and it also comprises the Catalogue of Mexican Importers and Distributors of Canadian products to help Mexican consumers identify and locate Canadian Agri-Food products currently available in the market.

Diana also helped with the organization and logistics of the visits to Mexico from Minister of Agriculture Gerry Ritz in January 2010, the Canada Mexico Partnership meeting in April 2011, and Agriculture and Agri-food Canada DG Blair Coomber visit in Mexico April and May 2012, to attend 2nd G-20 Vice Minister’s meeting.

Excelling in global trade with FITTskills online training

When Diana started this role, she decided to pursue further education in international trade. She began by working on her Master’s in International Trade and Marketing, which she completed in 2012.

She also pursued related courses and certificates through other organizations for specialized topics like the Mexican customs system, tariff classifications and Incoterms.

Diana started her FITTskills training after she finished her Master’s, and saw it as a natural continuation of her education. She was delighted by the flexibility that the on-line courses offered.

I really liked the idea of having on-line courses which I could take whenever time permitted and at any location (home, work, etc.).

“These courses helped me reinforce what I studied during my Master’s, and also complemented my knowledge with new concepts and information which I can use and apply during my every day work as a Trade Commissioner Assistant.”

Earning her elite CITP®|FIBP® designation

Once she completed her online FITTskills courses, Diana was proud to apply to become a CITP®|FIBP®. She says having the designation provides her with one more tool to effectively approach Canadian companies wanting to do business in Mexico.

Diana hopes that her designation will also help excel in her field and continue to progress in her career.

The post Diana de la Huerta Gaston, CITP|FIBP – Trade Commissioner Assistant appeared first on Trade Ready.