Canada also holds a strategic position and serves as a privileged gateway to important markets, both through participation in the’Free trade agreement with the United States and Mexico, a market with a Gross domestic product of $30 trillion, both thanks to the developed network of infrastructure in the area.
Companies that decide to expand their business in Canada also have the advantage of having access to a highly educated local workforce. In fact, Canada ranks first among OECD countries in postsecondary education completion rates, making the country a particularly favorable environment to the activities of R&D and to the investment in technology and innovation, especially in advanced manufacturing, AI and ICT in its different declinations such as big data, cyber security, AR-VR and Cleantech.
In addition, thanks to the Joint action plan in technological and scientific innovation between Canada and Italy, they identified some areas of collaboration between the two countries mainly involving marine and biological sciences, aerospace, agriculture and agribusiness.
Italy is currently one of the main business partners of Canada within the EU, thanks in part to the 2017 entry into force of the Canada-European Union Free Trade Agreement (CETA), which removed 98% of import duties. In 2022 in fact, canadian exports have increased by 4,2% totaling C$3.24 billion, up from C$3.11 billion in the previous year. Also Canadian imports from Italy have continued to grow with an increase of 5.12%, totaling $9.46 billion compared to $8.99 billion in 2021.
Among the our major exports include machinery, motor vehicles and transport equipment, beverages, spirits (wine in particular) and food products. In the latter sector Italy is the leading European supplier And the fourth globally.
As for imports, also in 2022, have registered important achievements In the following areas:
- Growth of 34% of pharmaceutical products. (mainly drugs, vaccines, and immunologicals) totaling $729 million
- 48% increase of gemstones (mainly jewelry and precious metals such as platinum) reaching $296 million
- 10.4% increase in leather goods
Canada therefore represents an interesting opportunity for Italian companies as it offers ample opportunities for growth in various sectors, coupled with a particularly open and advantageous business environment.
ALSO READ:
How to select target foreign markets?
Selling abroad: the winning sectors even for SMEs
Destination attractiveness: choose with care and relevance
Canada offers political and economic stability, certain rules, the rule of law, low operating costs and corporate income taxes, as well as tax incentives for investors. This is complemented by the appreciation of Italian products and the traditional openness to international trade, which make it very attractive for exports or local production.
CETA is the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union, which came into effect in 2017. It removed 98% of import duties, facilitating the entry of Italian products into the Canadian market. Thanks to this agreement, Italy is now one of Canada’s main trading partners within the EU.
In 2022, Canadian imports from Italy increased by 5.12%, reaching 9.46 billion dollars compared to 8.99 billion in 2021. The most exported products include machinery, motor vehicles and transport equipment, beverages, alcoholic beverages (especially wine) and food, where Italy is the European top supplier and fourth worldwide.
In 2022, Italian pharmaceutical products, especially pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and immunological products, grew by 34% to 729 million dollars. Precious stones, particularly jewelry and metals such as platinum, increased by 48% to reach 296 million dollars. Leather goods saw an increase of 10.4%.
Yes, according to recent economic and financial rankings, Canada offers the best conditions among G20 countries for starting a business. It is also the top OECD country for post-secondary education completion, with a highly educated workforce. This favors R&D and investments in advanced manufacturing, AI, ICT, big data, cybersecurity, AR-VR, and Cleantech.
The Joint Action Plan on Technological and Scientific Innovation between Canada and Italy has identified collaborations in marine and biological sciences, aerospace industry, agriculture and agro-food. Moreover, Canada, participating in the free trade agreement with the United States and Mexico, a market with a GDP of 30 trillion dollars, is a privileged gateway to this area.
Are you interested in our service?
Fill out the form or contact us at
+39 059 9770184
Copyright © 2026 Octagona Srl. All rights reserved. P.I. 02969820360
Italian Italian 
English
