Canadian Trade Relations Reset: Greater Opportunities to Benefit from Canadian Sales

I appreciate this opportunity to introduce our firm and practice to our colleagues in the IR Global network.

Woods, LaFortune LLP is a boutique international trade and customs law firm based in Ottawa and Montreal, Canada.  As noted in our firm description on the IR Global website and at www.wl-tradelaw.com, our practice touches on all aspects of international trade law including: customs, export controls, sanctions, trade remedies (anti-dumping, countervailing measures and safeguards), application of free trade agreements, government procurement, regulatory law, government relations and related administrative law. 

We practice in an international trade environment that is constantly changing.  Most recently, the United States Administration has become more protectionist, imposing tariffs on imports from a number of countries to restrict their access to the U.S. market.  Canada responded by imposing retaliatory tariffs, but has also responded by continuing to negotiate free trade agreements including agreement on a renewed NAFTA with the United States and Mexico, conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the European Union; the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) negotiated with Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam; ongoing efforts to develop a post-Brexit trade relationship with the United Kingdom; and continuing efforts to develop closer relationships with China, India, the Mercosur Group and other countries.   The Canadian Government is also taking action to support diversification of Canadian import and export trade and The Minister of Foreign Affairs just announced that Canada is joining Germany, France and Japan to support continued international cooperation and a rules-based international trading system.  

Canada is open for business and this creates opportunities for clients to expand their markets in Canada, explore opportunities to purchase Canadian goods and services, to develop new and stronger relationships with Canadian companies or to investments in Canada with an eye to using Canada as a platform to enter new markets by using the preferential treatment accorded to Canadian goods under Canada’s trade agreements.

We are available to address specific questions or to assist clients who are interesting in pursuing Canadian trade opportunities.  I can be reached by phone at (613) 424-3921 or by e-mail at [email protected]. 

 

Gordon LaFortune

Managing Partner

Woods, LaFortune LLP