Province reports surge in non-U.S. exports as it strengthens international partnerships
Ontario is accelerating efforts to expand and diversify its international trade relationships as it navigates ongoing U.S. tariffs and broader economic uncertainty, positioning the province for greater resilience and long-term growth.
Government hosts global roundtable to deepen trade ties
Premier Doug Ford, alongside Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and Will Bouma, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier, convened a roundtable in Toronto with 16 senior diplomatic representatives from Europe, Asia and South America.
The meeting forms part of Ontario’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on the United States as a primary trading partner while attracting new foreign investment and strengthening bilateral relationships across multiple regions.
The province reports that its diversification strategy is already yielding measurable results. Since 2018, Ontario’s non-U.S. exports have increased by nearly 75 per cent, including a 28 per cent rise over the past year compared to the previous year.
“Our government is delivering on our promise to protect Ontario workers by diversifying our trade and finding new markets for Ontario products around the globe,” said Premier Ford. “We’ll keep building on the success we’ve seen over the past year, creating new trade links overseas, unlocking our critical minerals and other resources, and building the infrastructure that will get our products to new markets around the world, while keeping Ontario workers on the job.”
Expanding trade relationships across key global markets
Ontario has seen significant growth in two-way trade with several international partners, underscoring the province’s shift toward a more globally diversified trade portfolio. Trade with the United Kingdom has increased by 194 per cent since 2018, while exchanges with the United Arab Emirates have grown by 207 per cent. Additional gains include 47 per cent growth with Singapore and 42 per cent with the Netherlands.
The province’s export base spans a wide range of industries, including critical minerals, automotive components, pharmaceuticals and defence technologies—sectors that continue to see rising global demand.
Officials say the roundtable discussions will inform future policy and engagement strategies, with Ontario planning additional bilateral meetings and international trade missions in the months ahead.
Trade missions and infrastructure investments support growth
Ontario is working closely with the federal government to strengthen existing agreements such as Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, while also pursuing new opportunities in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East and MERCOSUR regions.
The province has placed increased emphasis on international business missions as a tool for economic expansion. In 2025 alone, Ontario led more than 60 targeted export missions aimed at securing foreign direct investment, increasing exports and strengthening supply chains.
Complementing these efforts is a nearly $100 billion investment in transportation infrastructure, including roads and highways, designed to improve market access for manufacturers and exporters.
“In an increasingly uncertain world, our government is focusing on what we can control and taking decisive actions to see these changes through,” said Minister Fedeli. “By diversifying Ontario’s trade partnerships and ramping up exports to new markets across the world, we will continue securing job-creating investments for the economy and position our workforce to withstand external pressures.”
Building long-term economic resilience
Ontario has attracted more than $222 billion in investment since 2018, supported in part by targeted trade initiatives and export support programs delivered through the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. These include exporter training, market intelligence, advisory services and business matchmaking opportunities.
The province says its approach is aimed not only at increasing exports but also at strengthening supply chains and ensuring long-term competitiveness in an evolving global economy.
“I am proud to represent a government that, under the leadership of Premier Ford, has brought in hundreds of billions of dollars in new investments and is continuing to find new export opportunities, attract international investors and build stronger supply chains around the world. By diversifying Ontario’s trade, we will ensure that our province stays competitive and protected for years to come, especially in the face of tariffs from the United States.”
- Will Bouma
Member of Provincial Parliament for Brantford—Brant and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier
As global trade dynamics continue to shift, Ontario’s strategy reflects a broader effort to mitigate external risks while capitalizing on emerging opportunities. By expanding its international footprint and reinforcing its role as a reliable trade partner, the province is aiming to secure sustained economic growth and stability for businesses and workers alike.