🇨🇦

Export Market

Canada

ISO: CA / CAN

Country Profile

Capital Ottawa
Population 41.7M
GDP $2.24T (2024)
GDP per Capita $54,340
Income Level High Income
Currency Canadian dollar (CAD $)
Language English
Timezone UTC-08:00
Region North America

Trade Partners

Canada Exports To

  • USA 71.0%
  • China 5.0%
  • UK 3.0%
  • Japan 2.0%
  • Mexico 2.0%

Key exports: crude petroleum, cars, gold, natural gas, refined petroleum (2023)

Canada Imports From

  • USA 51.0%
  • China 11.0%
  • Mexico 6.0%
  • Germany 3.0%
  • Japan 3.0%

Key imports: cars, trucks, vehicle parts/accessories, refined petroleum, crude petroleum (2023)

Economic Overview

high-income economy and second-largest US trading partner; key timber, oil, and gas industries; trade uncertainties and weak business investments contributing to economic slowdown; high and growing public debt; inflation moderating but remains above target range

Government: federal parliamentary democracy (Parliament of Canada) under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm; federal and state authorities and responsibilities regulated in constitution

UK Trade Status

FTA in Force

The UK has a free trade agreement with Canada, providing preferential market access for UK exporters.

Trade Barriers

9 active barriers affecting UK exporters

Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certification needed for electrical products

UK companies exporting electrical products to Canada must get CSA certification. The certification process requires product and part testing and evaluation. They must also get a licence to use the CSA mark after the process is completed and approved. The …

Sectors: Advanced engineering, Consumer and retail, Energy, Technology and smart cities

Reported: 19 Jan 2021

Lengthy process to approve medicines and medical devices in Canada

Canada's approval process for medicines and medical devices, including pharmaceuticals, generally takes longer than other countries. This affects UK exporters as it delays reimbursement of their investment. It also reduces their patent exclusivity period in Canada. The Canadian assessment period …

Sectors: Medical devices and equipment, Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology

Reported: 19 Jan 2021

Accountants cannot use the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation in Canada without membership of the Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA)

Management accountants are not allowed to use the CGMA designation in Canada unless they are members of the CPA. Whilst CGMA designation holders are allowed to perform management accounting services in Canada's provinces, they are prohibited from publicly demonstrating their …

Sectors: Financial and professional services

Reported: 19 Jan 2021

High regulatory burden on UK insurance firms operating in Canada

Regulations can make it difficult to start an insurance business in Canada. Canada has more complex regulations for insurance firms when compared to other countries. An insurer must be federally incorporated. There is an application process which focuses on the …

Sectors: Financial and professional services

Reported: 18 Jan 2021

Certification requirements affect UK car exports to Canada

Imported cars must follow Canadian motor vehicle safety standards. Ensuring vehicles meet these standards adds to costs for UK exporters. Canadian standards generally follow UK and US standards but there are some minor differences that result in increase compliance costs …

Sectors: Automotive

Reported: 18 Jan 2021

View all 9 barriers on GOV.UK →

Geographic Region

North America

Trading Bloc Memberships

Canada is a member of the following trade agreements and economic blocs.

CPTPP Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade Agreement UK Member USMCA U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement Trade Agreement

Export Guidance

Relevant guidance for exporting to Canada.

Start Your Export Journey

Export to the EU after Brexit Start exporting from the UK Manage your export compliance

Also in This Region

🇺🇸 United States

Official Resources

Government export support for Canada.

great.gov.uk Market Guide → GOV.UK Country Information →
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