How to Be a Canadian Exporter 

The time when Canada’s primary exports are cold fronts and hockey players is rapidly coming to an end, and it is becoming clear that Canada’s time as a key player in the international marketplace may only just be beginning. With the sky being the limit and more opportunities than ever for the growth of Canadian exports, now is the time for businesses to make a big move and strike while the iron is hot. 

The subject of tariffs and trade barriers remains high on the international political agenda, and there are no indications that things will return to the way they were any time soon. Add to that an increased level of support from the government and trade organizations at large in Canada, and suddenly, one of the surest ways forward in this current climate is to spread to as many markets as possible. 

If you have not been exploring diversification options, then now is the time to start looking as far afield as you can, and sooner is going to be better than later. The more you work to diversify your markets and put the work in to bring your goods to the world at large, the better off you will be in the long run.  

This is the time to learn, grow, and find your way into new international markets, and in today’s post, we’re going to touch on the services, organizations, best practices, and policies that might just help your business thrive in the months and years to come.  

What are Canada’s Free Trade Agreements

One of the largest challenges facing new Canadian exporters is the question of where exactly they should take their goods. After all, it’s a wide world out there, and not every product is going to be a prime market match. Fortunately, there is a convenient signpost that can help identify a good marketplace: free trade agreements (FTAs). 

Canada maintains around 15 FTAs at any given time, and with the right guidance, they can be exactly what you need to find a purchase in unfamiliar terrain. For those looking to expand transcontinentally, Canada's Free Trade Agreement can reduce tariffs and duties on your goods, and is a clear indicator of nations on a similar trade wavelength. An FTA can be your roadmap to success, both financially and in helping you identify the new market most receptive to your efforts. 

With that in mind, there are two critical considerations worth entertaining before you embark on this. The first is that this will require you to reassess your Incoterms® while expanding globally, as establishing your relationship as a seller in a new market ecosystem is a high priority and critical to your success abroad.  Knowing your Incoterms® and making sure they are appropriate for your new business working relationships can help establish you well in the early days. 

For additional assistance with Incoterms®, you are encouraged to head to the PCB Learning Center and sign up for one of our Incoterm® courses.  

The second is that while an FTA is a good indicator of a trade match, it doesn’t necessarily indicate demand, nor does it give the details you need to actually export your goods there. It’s a good place to start, but research is still important, and one of the first things you are going to need to understand is the country's rules of origin. The rules of origin for a country could be fundamentally different than what you are used to, particularly if you are used to exporting exclusively to the US, and knowing what you need to know ahead of time is going to be vitally important to your success.  

For both these matters, it is highly recommended that you work with a skilled trade advisory team, like the one you’ll find at PCB, who can make sure that you are well-positioned to take advantage of this new marketplace while having all the information you need. PCB’s FTA Review service can look for opportunities that you may not have known existed and help you take full advantage of them.

It’s Time to Diversify

Diversifying your business is always a great idea, but right now, it is also taking advantage of a unique opportunity. Canadian companies, in particular, are well-positioned to benefit from a host of programs already in place that aim to give you what you need to thrive in the current marketplace. Earlier this year, the Canadian Government suggested that it would endeavor to support and expand its international exports by up to double in 2026.

Admittedly, it’s always a risk to take your goods to the wider world, but it’s a risk that is currently supported by government programs at a time when it is bullish on getting Canadian goods abroad. That support can be a critical part of your strategy that could potentially make all the difference. 

Currently, there are several programs in place to help exporters find markets abroad, and they are covered in detail in our Canadian Export Guide. In addition to that guide, PCB also offers support to exporters through our Export Service Page, our CERS Support Service, and our upcoming Exporting from Canada Webinar. For information on those offerings or any of the ways that PCB can help you bring your goods to the world, be sure to get in touch - we’re eager to help. 

Eyes and Freight Forward!

Logistics is another potential hurdle for new exporters, and depending on how far afield you are taking your wares, it could represent several fundamental shifts in how you have transported goods in the past, including modes you may not be familiar with.

A skilled freight team can get your goods up and running across the globe and can soften the transition to new forms of transport. It is common that new exporters find their footing through the vetted connections of a local freight forwarder, so that they know what they will need to succeed abroad. 

One of the key pieces of this puzzle is the ‘freight network.’ If you are unfamiliar, essentially, most freight companies are members of these international networks and offer support to other organizations within the network. For example, PCB could be your forwarder here in Canada, but we also work closely with a different company in our network to support your efforts in Europe or beyond. Getting assistance in this arena can often be the difference between success and failure for new exporters, and what it offers is keen insights into what challenges or requirements are necessary in other countries. 

It is crucial that you work with a trusted freight management company, such as PCB Freight Management, and its associated networks to find the best carriers for your logistics chain abroad. 

PCB works with several prestigious networks, including:  

• Connecta by Panco
• The Conqueror Freight Network
• The WTC Alliance

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That means we have more points of contact across the globe, so your goods can get to where they need to be through trusted, vetted carriers. 

For more information about PCB Freight or the various services it can provide for you, be sure to check out our website detailing the many different services we can offer exporters looking to bring their goods to the wider world. 

The World is Waiting for You!

If there is one thing to take away from this, let it be this - now is the time to make a big move and get your goods to the wider world. Not only can you count on PCB to help you, but you also have the support of the Canadian Government. This is the sound of opportunity knocking, and you need to open the door. 

For more information about how to get started exporting, be sure to check out our new export guide, our exporting into Canada service site, our CERS reporting service, and our upcoming webinar. Together, we cover these topics in greater detail and add a host of information about the processes you will need to undertake and the programs that can help you make your efforts a success. 

Finally, be sure to take a look at our trade advisory services for help tackling a challenge, determining your international marketplace strategy