The world wants Canadian food

Part 1: Mapping a $12-billion trade diversification opportunity

Global demand is creating new possibilities for Canadian agriculture and food businesses, particularly in Europe and Asia.

The latest Canada-U.S. tariff dispute is another reminder that even our closest trade relationships can face disruption. 78% of Canada food and beverage exports are destined for the U.S. Therefore, trade disruptions have big consequences for the sector. Our proximity, integrated supply chains and long history of mutually beneficial trade make Canada’s trade relationship with the United States difficult to replicate. But a strong relationship with one customer does not prevent Canada from building more relationships elsewhere. In fact, doing both is one of the best ways to support long-term growth in the face of uncertainty and create a resilient value chain.

The federal government's new National Food Security Strategy recognizes the importance of building a more resilient, competitive and sustainable Canadian food system. Expanding access to international markets can help strengthen the sector's long-term growth while supporting Canada's role as a reliable supplier of food to the world.

Canada enters this moment with considerable strength. Agriculture and food exports reached approximately $100 billion in 2025. Canada has 15 free trade agreements covering 51 countries and 61% of global GDP, giving Canadian businesses preferential access to many of the world’s largest markets and fastest growing economies. And demand for Canadian products is growing. Between 2018 and 2023, Canadian export growth exceeded total global export growth for a variety of food products, particularly animal products and processed foods (Figure 1).