While attention has been on the United States and Europe, Canada’s other trade negotiations moved forward in September. None of these agreements changes duty rates yet, but each is a market where preferential access is being negotiated now.
India: fourth CEPA round, conclusion targeted for year-end
International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu met India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, in Mumbai during the fourth round of negotiations on a Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Global Affairs Canada says both sides aim to conclude the agreement by the end of 2026, with a goal of doubling two-way trade to $70 billion by 2030. Minister Sidhu is to lead a Team Canada trade mission to India next month.
ASEAN and the Philippines
The 15th ASEAN Economic Ministers-Canada Consultations take place in Manila on September 21 and 22, as talks on a Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement continue. Canada and the Philippines held what was reported as the fourth and final round of their bilateral free trade negotiations in Toronto from September 8 to 11, and Philippine Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty told Philippine media that both sides aim to conclude by November. Global Affairs Canada lists the agreement as in negotiation and says Canada is committed to a timely conclusion.
Indonesia: ratification progressing
Meeting Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs in Toronto on September 17, Minister Sidhu welcomed Indonesia’s progress toward ratifying the Canada-Indonesia CEPA. No entry-into-force date has been announced; once it is, importers of Indonesian goods will be able to claim preferential tariff treatment under the new agreement.
Practical impact: exporters selling into India, Southeast Asia or Indonesia, and importers sourcing from them, should track these agreements now. Rules of origin and tariff-elimination schedules decide who benefits, and they are usually published only at signature or entry into force.
Canada advances trade talks with India (Global Affairs Canada) · Talks with India, ASEAN and the Philippines · Minister Sidhu meets Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister
