Ongoing negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) between Canada and the Philippines remain on track, with both governments aiming to conclude the deal by the end of 2026.
Canadian Ambassador David Hartman noted that the first round of negotiations, held from 18–20 February in Manila, builds on earlier work under the Canada–ASEAN free trade framework, helping to accelerate progress towards a finalised agreement. The talks, led by Philippine Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty and Canada’s Director General of the Trade Negotiations Bureau Mary Catherine Speirs, aim not only to expand market access but also to strengthen an open, inclusive, and rules-based trading system in the Indo-Pacific.
Bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and the Philippines reached approximately USD 2.3 billion in 2024, with Canadian exports to the Philippines valued at USD 1.03 billion and imports at USD 1.25 billion. Key Canadian exports include mineral ores, meat, cereals, wood, machinery, electronics, fertilisers, and aircraft parts, while major imports from the Philippines comprise electronics, machinery, animal and vegetable oils, leather and rubber products, scientific instruments, and processed vegetable products.
Investment ties are also strengthening. In 2023, Canadian investments in the Philippines totalled USD 723 million, while Philippine investments in Canada reached USD 43 million.
The proposed Canada–Philippines FTA is expected to deepen bilateral trade, attract greater investment flows, and establish clearer regulatory frameworks to support closer economic cooperation between the two countries.
Source: Philippine News Agency
