Key Takeaways
- Canada-EU two-way trade in goods and services was valued at approximately $178.3 billion in 2025.
- Bilateral merchandise trade has grown by more than 78% compared with pre-CETA levels, according to Global Affairs Canada.
- Officials are exploring closer cooperation in digital trade, clean technology, critical minerals, economic security and supply chains.
Canada and EU Mark a Decade of CETA as Trade Expands
Canada and the European Union are looking to build on a decade of trade cooperation as officials explore new commercial opportunities across the Atlantic. International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu is in Dublin, Ireland, for meetings marking the 10th anniversary of the signature of the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
Global Affairs Canada announced the visit on October 22, 2026, highlighting the agreement's role in expanding trade and supporting economic ties between Canada and the European Union.
Trade Growth Since CETA
According to Global Affairs Canada, bilateral merchandise trade has grown by more than 78% compared with pre-CETA levels. Two-way trade in goods and services reached approximately $178.3 billion in 2025, making the EU Canada's second-largest trading partner for goods and services.
Canadian merchandise exports to the EU also increased by almost 21% between January and August 2026, according to the government announcement.
CETA entered into provisional application in September 2017. The agreement covers virtually all sectors of Canada-EU trade in goods and services.
New Areas for Cooperation
During the Dublin meetings, Sidhu is engaging with European trade officials on opportunities involving economic security, resilient supply chains, clean technology, critical minerals and defence.
Officials are also continuing negotiations toward a Canada-EU Digital Trade Agreement. The proposed agreement would improve regulatory predictability for Canadian businesses operating in Europe and support interoperability between digital technologies and services.
The discussions come ahead of the Canada-EU Summit scheduled for October 29 and 30 in Montréal, Quebec.
TwikUp's Perspective
Trade agreements matter most when businesses can turn market access into real sales, investment and employment. The next phase of Canada-EU cooperation will depend on how effectively companies use existing rules and whether further negotiations address practical barriers to cross-border commerce.
Digital trade and critical minerals could become important areas to watch, particularly as governments seek more resilient supply chains. The upcoming summit may provide further direction, but its outcomes should be assessed through confirmed announcements rather than expectations alone.