Promote:
Export from Canada
A short guide for companies selling from Canada: the export figures, the agreements and their limits, the main steps and who can help, each with its source.
1. What Canada sells, and who buys it
Goods exports
US$555.5 billion
Canada reported merchandise exports of US$555,462,267,704.95 in 2025 to UN Comtrade (flow X, which includes re-exports).
Source: UN Comtrade, Canada exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Services exports
US$169.2 billion
Services exports were US$169,210.4 million in 2024, in the WTO-UNCTAD-ITC data on UNCTADstat.
Source: UNCTADstat, WTO-UNCTAD-ITC services exports, Canada, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024
Top goods exports
2025
- 1. Crude oil (HS 2709)US$101.3 billion
- 2. Gold (HS 7108)US$38.1 billion
- 3. Passenger vehicles (HS 8703)US$29.1 billion
- 4. Refined petroleum products (HS 2710)US$13.4 billion
- 5. Natural gas and petroleum gases (HS 2711)US$13.1 billion
- 6. Vehicle parts (HS 8708)US$12.4 billion
- 7. Gas turbines and jet engines (HS 8411)US$9.63 billion
- 8. Aircraft and helicopters (HS 8802)US$9.13 billion
Show 12 more products
- 9. Packaged medicines (HS 3004)US$8.09 billion
- 10. Wheat (HS 1001)US$8.09 billion
- 11. Aluminum, unwrought (HS 7601)US$7.43 billion
- 12. Potash fertilizer (HS 3104)US$6.47 billion
- 13. Iron ore (HS 2601)US$6.06 billion
- 14. Sawn lumber (HS 4407)US$6.06 billion
- 15. Trucks and delivery vehicles (HS 8704)US$5.97 billion
- 16. Bread, pastry and biscuits (HS 1905)US$5.5 billion
- 17. Coal (HS 2701)US$5.36 billion
- 18. Copper ore (HS 2603)US$4.57 billion
- 19. Canola and mustard oil (HS 1514)US$3.85 billion
- 20. Canola seed (HS 1205)US$3.78 billion
- Re-exports were 7.4 percent of 2025 flow X exports, so some product lines include goods made elsewhere. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Commodities not specified by kind (HS 9999) are 4.3 percent of 2025 exports; they are in the total but not ranked. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Crude oil is 18.2 percent of 2025 exports, so energy sales shape the top of the ranking. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Gold is 6.9 percent of 2025 exports, so precious metal sales can move the ranking. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Canada exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Where the goods go
2025, share of goods exports
- United States72.3%
- United Kingdom6%
- China4.5%
- Japan1.9%
- Netherlands1.2%
- Germany1.2%
- Mexico1.1%
- South Korea0.9%
- The United States takes 72.3 percent of exports, so every other destination has a small share. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Canada exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
2. What to look into next
Our reading
The research marks vehicle parts, sawn lumber and bread, pastry and biscuits as lines a small or mid-sized company could be in. If yours is one, check which markets buy that line, not only Canada’s top destinations overall.
Source: UN Comtrade, Canada exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports
The United States takes 72.3% of Canada’s goods exports. If you sell there, its import rules and buyer channels come first; either way, compare at least one other market before you commit.
Source: UN Comtrade, Canada exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Based on: Where the goods go
Promote:Global’s reading of the figures above, not a source’s statement, and not advice.
3. Trade agreements
What each arrangement can mean for a seller, and its limits. A preference is conditional: check the rules of origin before you quote.
Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)
Gives qualifying Canadian goods preferential access to the United States and Mexico under its origin rules.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access; its 16-year term depends on the joint reviews that began on July 1, 2026.
Source: Global Affairs Canada, CUSMA Joint Review page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
Reduces or removes tariffs on qualifying Canadian goods sold to Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access; Global Affairs Canada's list says it is not yet in force for the United Kingdom.
Source: Global Affairs Canada, trade and investment agreements list (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Canada-European Union: Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
Reduces or removes tariffs on qualifying Canadian goods sold to European Union members.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access; claim it only for goods that meet the agreement's origin rules.
Source: Global Affairs Canada, trade and investment agreements list (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement
Reduces or removes tariffs on qualifying Canadian goods sold to the United Kingdom.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access; claim it only for goods that meet the agreement's origin rules.
Source: Global Affairs Canada, trade and investment agreements list (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 14 more agreements
Canada-Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA)
Reduces or removes tariffs on qualifying Canadian goods sold to South Korea.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access; claim it only for goods that meet the agreement's origin rules.
Source: Global Affairs Canada, trade and investment agreements list (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement
Reduces or removes tariffs on qualifying Canadian goods sold to Chile.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access; claim it only for goods that meet the agreement's origin rules.
Source: Global Affairs Canada, trade and investment agreements list (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement
Reduces or removes tariffs on qualifying Canadian goods sold to Colombia.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access; claim it only for goods that meet the agreement's origin rules.
Source: Global Affairs Canada, trade and investment agreements list (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement
Reduces or removes tariffs on qualifying Canadian goods sold to Costa Rica.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access; claim it only for goods that meet the agreement's origin rules.
Source: Global Affairs Canada, trade and investment agreements list (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Canada-Honduras Free Trade Agreement
Reduces or removes tariffs on qualifying Canadian goods sold to Honduras.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access; claim it only for goods that meet the agreement's origin rules.
Source: Global Affairs Canada, trade and investment agreements list (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA)
Reduces or removes tariffs on qualifying Canadian goods sold to Israel.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access; claim it only for goods that meet the agreement's origin rules.
Source: Global Affairs Canada, trade and investment agreements list (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Canada-Jordan Free Trade Agreement
Reduces or removes tariffs on qualifying Canadian goods sold to Jordan.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access; claim it only for goods that meet the agreement's origin rules.
Source: Global Affairs Canada, trade and investment agreements list (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement
Reduces or removes tariffs on qualifying Canadian goods sold to Panama.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access; claim it only for goods that meet the agreement's origin rules.
Source: Global Affairs Canada, trade and investment agreements list (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement
Reduces or removes tariffs on qualifying Canadian goods sold to Peru.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access; claim it only for goods that meet the agreement's origin rules.
Source: Global Affairs Canada, trade and investment agreements list (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Modernized Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA)
Reduces or removes tariffs on qualifying Canadian goods sold to Ukraine.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access; claim it only for goods that meet the agreement's origin rules.
Source: Global Affairs Canada, trade and investment agreements list (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Canada-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Free Trade Agreement
Reduces or removes tariffs on qualifying Canadian goods sold to the EFTA members.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access; claim it only for goods that meet the agreement's origin rules.
Source: Global Affairs Canada, trade and investment agreements list (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Canada-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
Will reduce or eliminate tariffs on qualifying Canadian goods sold to the United Arab Emirates once it is in force.
Signed on October 27, 2026 and not in force; no preference applies until it enters into force.
Source: Global Affairs Canada, Canada-UAE CEPA signing, October 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 28, 2026
Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
Will reduce or eliminate tariffs on qualifying Canadian goods sold to Indonesia once it is in force.
Signed and not yet in force; Global Affairs Canada's list says it enters into force on December 1, 2026, so confirm the date before you claim.
Source: Global Affairs Canada, trade and investment agreements list (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Canada-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement
Will reduce or eliminate tariffs on qualifying Canadian goods sold to Ecuador once it is in force.
Signed and not in force; no preference applies until it enters into force.
Source: Global Affairs Canada, trade and investment agreements list (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
4. Steps to export
The main steps, in order, each with the body responsible and its official page.
Exporting from Canada
- Register a Business Number and ask CBSA for an export program account, which gives the export-active BN15.Canada Revenue AgencyOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: CBSA, Memorandum D20-1-1, Exporter Reporting (opens in a new tab) · as of October 24, 2024
- Register for the CERS Portal with form BSF831 and classify each good with the 8-digit Canadian Export Classification number.Canada Border Services AgencyOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: CBSA, Exporters' guide to reporting (opens in a new tab) · as of October 21, 2024
- Check whether the good needs an export permit, such as softwood lumber, logs, dairy powders, infant formula or military and strategic goods.Global Affairs CanadaOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Global Affairs Canada, export a controlled product (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
- Screen buyers, destinations and transactions against Canadian sanctions measures and the consolidated sanctions lists before you ship.Global Affairs CanadaOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Global Affairs Canada, Canadian sanctions (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Show 5 more export steps
- Check the destination's technical rules and Canadian standards through the national standards body.Standards Council of CanadaOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Justice Laws, Standards Council of Canada Act (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
- For food, plants and animals, find the importing country requirements and request the export certificate through CFIA.Canadian Food Inspection AgencyOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: CFIA, exporting food, plants or animals (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
- Complete the certification of origin for the agreement you claim, or ask the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to certify a non-preferential certificate.Canada Border Services AgencyOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: CBSA, Memorandum D11-4-14, certification of origin (opens in a new tab) · as of June 29, 2022
- File the export declaration in CERS within the set time and keep export records for six years.Canada Border Services AgencyOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: CBSA, Exporters' guide to reporting (opens in a new tab) · as of October 21, 2024
- Ask about duty drawback or duties relief on imported inputs that you export.Canada Border Services AgencyOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: CBSA, Drawback Program (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
5. Organizations that help exporters
Start with TCS and CBSA. Each card links to the organization’s own site.
Each card says what it can help with:Get adviceFind financeMeet requirementsResearch markets
Export development and market information
- Get advice
National trade promotion service
TCS
Trade Commissioner Service
Gives eligible Canadian businesses export advice, funding information, market contacts and support at trade missions.
Visit TCS (opens in a new tab)Source: Global Affairs Canada, export support from the trade team (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Find finance
Export credit and insurance
EDC
Export Development Canada
Offers trade credit insurance, financing and working capital guarantees for companies that sell abroad.
Visit EDC (opens in a new tab)Source: Global Affairs Canada, export support from the trade team (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 3 more organizations
- Find finance
Small business development bank
BDC
Business Development Bank of Canada
Offers business loans, advice and free resources for small and medium-sized companies preparing to export.
Visit BDC (opens in a new tab)Source: Global Affairs Canada, export support from the trade team (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Research markets
National statistics office
StatCan
Statistics Canada
Publishes national trade, price and economic statistics.
Visit StatCan (opens in a new tab)Source: Statistics Canada, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
- Meet requirements
Agriculture ministry
AAFC
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Supports agriculture and agri-food exporters, including market preparation through the Agriculture and Food Trade Commissioner Service.
Visit AAFC (opens in a new tab)Source: Global Affairs Canada, export support from the trade team (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Customs and tax
- Meet requirements
Customs and border agency
CBSA
Canada Border Services Agency
Receives export declarations through the CERS Portal and sets the exporter reporting rules.
Visit CBSA (opens in a new tab)Source: CBSA, Exporters' guide to reporting (opens in a new tab) · as of October 21, 2024
- Meet requirements
Tax authority
CRA
Canada Revenue Agency
Issues the Business Number and registers non-resident businesses for tax program accounts.
Visit CRA (opens in a new tab)Source: CRA, register as a non-resident doing business (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Standards and sector requirements
- Get advice
Foreign affairs and trade ministry
GAC
Global Affairs Canada
Issues export permits for controlled goods and runs Canadian sanctions measures.
Visit GAC (opens in a new tab)Source: Global Affairs Canada, export and import controls (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
- Meet requirements
Food safety and export certifier
CFIA
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Issues export certificates for food, plants and animals and publishes food requirements by country.
Visit CFIA (opens in a new tab)Source: CFIA, exporting food, plants or animals (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Show 2 more organizations
- Meet requirements
National standards body
SCC
Standards Council of Canada
Promotes voluntary standardization in Canada under its Act.
Visit SCC (opens in a new tab)Source: Justice Laws, Standards Council of Canada Act (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
- Meet requirements
Intellectual property office
CIPO
Canadian Intellectual Property Office
Delivers intellectual property services in Canada and explains how to use them.
Visit CIPO (opens in a new tab)Source: Canadian Intellectual Property Office, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Chambers and industry associations
- Get advice
National chamber of commerce
Canadian Chamber
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Certifies certificates of origin online and offers ATA Carnets for border clearance.
Visit Canadian Chamber (opens in a new tab)Source: Canadian Chamber of Commerce, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
- Get advice
Indigenous business council
CCIB
Canadian Council for Indigenous Business
Builds links between Indigenous businesses and corporate Canada.
Visit CCIB (opens in a new tab)Source: Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Show 1 more organization
- Get advice
Women's business council
WBE Canada
Women Business Enterprises Canada Council
Connects women-owned businesses with larger corporate and public buyers and offers certification.
Visit WBE Canada (opens in a new tab)Source: WBE Canada, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
6. Worth knowing
United States duties
Section 338 duties of 50 percent apply to certain Canadian alcohol, dairy and motor vehicle products from August 22, 2026; Proclamations 11064 and 11065 changed the scope from September 15.
What to do: Check the proclamations and Customs and Border Protection guidance for your product code before you quote.
Sources: Proclamation 11056, suspension of Section 338 duties, August 2026 (opens in a new tab); Proclamation 11064, scope change, Section 338 alcohol duties, September 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
United States import bans
Proclamations 11061 to 11063 ban importation of certain Canadian alcoholic beverages, dairy and motor vehicle products into the United States from September 29, 2026.
What to do: Confirm whether your product appears in the proclamation annexes before you schedule shipments.
Sources: Proclamation 11061, import ban, Canadian alcohol, September 2026 (opens in a new tab); Proclamation 11062, import ban, Canadian dairy, September 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Canada's counter-tariffs
Canada's United States Surtax Order (2026) charges 15, 25 or 50 percent on listed United States goods from September 8, 2026; CBSA updated its notice on October 23, 2026.
What to do: Check the Order, Customs Notice 26-23 and the tariff item before you import from or route goods through the United States.
Sources: CBSA, Customs Notice 26-23, surtax on United States goods (opens in a new tab); Finance Canada, complete list of counter-tariff products (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Section 232 metals duties
Proclamation 11021 of April 2, 2026 set 50, 25 and 15 percent duties on aluminum, steel and copper products; Proclamation 11032 changed them from June 8, 2026.
What to do: Confirm whether your product or its metal inputs fall on the covered lists before you quote.
Sources: Proclamation 11032, Section 232 metals duties, June 2026 (opens in a new tab); Federal Register, Proclamation 11021 on metals duties, April 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 6 more
Section 301 tariff on Canada
USTR set a 10 percent Section 301 tariff on products of Canada entered from July 24, 2026, and exempts products entered free of duty under the USMCA.
What to do: Confirm that your goods qualify under the USMCA before you claim the exemption.
Source: USTR, Section 301 forced-labor action notice, July 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
United States medicine duties
Proclamation 11020 of April 2, 2026 sets a 100 percent Section 232 duty on listed patented medicines from July 31 or September 29, 2026, depending on the company.
What to do: Check whether your product is on the proclamation's Annex I and which rate applies before you quote.
Source: Federal Register, Proclamation 11020 on pharmaceuticals, April 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
United States lumber duties
Proclamation 10976 sets 10 percent Section 232 duties on softwood lumber and 25 percent on listed upholstered furniture, cabinets and vanities; Proclamation 11000 delays scheduled increases to 2027.
What to do: Check whether your product is on the proclamation's Annex I, and note the January 1, 2027 increase, before you quote.
Sources: Federal Register, Proclamation 10976 on timber and lumber, 2025 (opens in a new tab); Federal Register, Proclamation 11000 delaying wood duty increases, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
United States vehicle duties
Proclamation 10908 taxes cars and listed parts at 25 percent; USMCA-qualifying cars pay on non-United States content, and qualifying parts are exempt until Commerce sets a process.
What to do: Check the Section 232 and Section 338 vehicle measures for your model or part before you quote.
Sources: Federal Register, Proclamation 10908 on automobiles and parts, 2025 (opens in a new tab); Commerce notice on USMCA automobile content, August 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
CUSMA joint review
The United States did not agree to renew the USMCA on July 1, 2026; it stays in force, and an October 5, 2026 notice opens comment for the 2027 review.
What to do: Check USTR's latest notice and Canada's CUSMA page before you sign long-term supply contracts.
Sources: USTR, statement on USMCA joint review, July 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab); USTR notice on 2027 USMCA review, October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Productivity and competitiveness
The IMF's January 2026 report says recent trade shocks have accentuated weaknesses in productivity and competitiveness, with elevated household debt a domestic vulnerability.
What to do: Check current trade measures and financing costs before you commit capital.
Source: IMF, Canada 2025 Article IV staff report (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
7. How Promote:Global helps
- Compare potential export marketsSee which markets import what you sell, ranked on public trade data, and read each country before you commit.
- Check duties and document requirementsCheck the duty, the origin conditions for a preferential rate and the documents a shipment needs.
- Find advisors and service firmsAsk an advisory firm a scoped, paid question, or browse firms that list their own services, from legal work to logistics.
- Organize your next stepsKeep each product and market in a project, with a roadmap of steps you work through.
Turn this guide into your Canada project.
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Promote:Canada is an independent guide by Promote:Global, not an official government portal. The organizations named here are independent public and membership bodies, not Promote:Global partners, and every link goes to their own site.
Facts read from public sources, with an editorial cut-off of October 30, 2026. Nothing here is investment, legal, tax or sanctions advice. Check current status with the organization before you rely on it.