Trade Winds: A Four-Part Series on Shifting Attitudes Toward Trade Agreements

This article was originally published on Dec. 19, 2016 in Global Trade Magazine

Part Four: Changes in Canada-U.S. Trade Patterns Could Be On the Way

By Cora Di Pietro

A potentially significant shift in Canadian and U.S. trade postures over the next 12 to 24 months is taking shape. Canadian businesses, which have traditionally trailed their American counterparts with respect to trade activity and the use of free trade agreements are going to be ramping up their international efforts while U.S. trade activity is expected to level off.

The shift in Canadian trade patterns that could impact trade relations with the United States and sourcing options for U.S. businesses.

According to recent research by Livingston International, the number of businesses in Canada that currently use two FTAs is expected to go from 14 percent this year to 23 percent next year — a growth rate of 65 percent.