Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Markets

Exporting from the UK to Canada: A market guide

Overview

Canada is the second largest country in the world by area and has a population of over 37 million people. It’s politically stable with a strong record of economic growth and has well-established trade links with the UK.

Trade statistics

£16.1 billion total UK exports to Canada for the four quarters to the end of Q1 2024

(Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted
Last updated: July 2024)

12th largest UK export market

(Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted
Last updated: July 2024)

1.9% of total UK exports for the four quarters to the end of Q1 2024

(Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted
Last updated: July 2024)

Close ties with the UK

Canada has a close trade relationship with the UK. Our ties are built on a long and proud history of working together. We are the only two countries to be members of the G7, the G20, the Commonwealth, Five Eyes and NATO.

The UK concluded negotiations to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on 31 March 2023 and signed the Protocol of Accession on 16 July 2023. Canada is a member of the CPTPP.

Sophisticated market

Canada has a highly developed and competitive market with similar business practices to the UK. Its strong business and consumer base is sensitive to both price and quality. Bringing something new or different are often seen as the keys to success.

Top five UK goods exported to Canada , in the four quarters to the end of Q2 2024

Goods Value (£ billion )
Crude oil 1.6
Cars 0.7
Mechanical power generators (intermediate) 0.6
Aircraft 0.6
Medicinal & pharmaceutical products 0.4

Source: ONS Trade in goods: country-by-commodity exports
Last updated: September 2024
Download the latest trade and investment factsheet for Canada.

Top five UK services exported to Canada , in the four quarters to the end of Q1 2024

Service Value (£ billion )
Other Business Services 2.5
Insurance and Pension 1.9
Financial 1.7
Travel 1.5
Telecommunications, computer and information services 0.6

Source: ONS UK trade in services: service type by partner country, non-seasonally adjusted
Last updated: July 2024
Download the latest trade and investment factsheet for Canada.

Canada: at a glance

Economic growth

3.4%

Actual figure (IMF, 2022)
The UK is 4.1% (IMF, 2022, actual figure)

GDP per capita

$55,037

Actual figure (IMF, 2022)
The UK is $45,461 (IMF, 2022, projected figure)

Currency

Canadian dollar

Business language

English, French

You may need a translator in the province of Québec

Time zone

GMT -5 (Ottawa)

Want to see more on Canada? Sign up for additional market data, content specific to your product or sector and to compare Canada side by side with other markets.

Opportunities for exporters

There are opportunities for UK companies across a broad range of industries. Our trade advisers in Canada have identified particular opportunities for UK businesses in the following sectors:

Check for trade barriers

Trade barriers, such as tariffs or taxes, can raise costs, cause delays, or even stop you from exporting. Check for any issues that may impact your business when exporting.

See current trade barriers

See resolved trade barriers

Check duties and customs

Find information on how to export goods from the UK. View the duties, rules, restrictions, and the documents you need for your products.

See current duties and customs procedures

Doing business in Canada

Preparing to export

The UK and Canada have signed a double taxation agreement, meaning the same income is not taxed twice.

The Canada Border Services Agency provides a step-by-step guide for importers of goods into the country, which will help you understand the requirements.

VAT

You can zero-rate the sale of your goods to Canada, provided you get and keep evidence of your export, and comply with all other laws.

You must also make sure the goods are exported, and you must get the evidence within 3 months from the time of sale.

Regulations

Some industry sectors are regulated in Canada. Find out more about the regulations and permits needed.

Trade barriers

Check for any reported barriers to trading with Canada.

Report any trade barriers that are affecting your business so we can help fix them.

Operating in Canada

English common law is the basis for the law in 9 of Canada's provinces and 3 of its territories. French civil law is the basis of the law in Québec.

Canada is a federal state. Your business in Canada will be subject to both federal and provincial or territorial laws. This can sometimes make doing business complicated for first-time exporters to the country.

Intellectual property

Intellectual property (IP) rights are territorial and rights granted in the UK do not provide protection elsewhere. You should consider getting IP protection abroad if you want to trade overseas or sell to overseas customers via the internet.

The Intellectual Property Office provides practical information to help you protect, manage and enforce your IP abroad. Further support for British businesses can be found through a network of IP attachés, based in key UK export markets.

View guidance on IP in Canada on GOV.UK.

Payment terms

You're always advised to seek the most secure method of payment possible, such as payment in advance or a letter of credit.

Payment conditions must be factored into prices. For business-to-business transactions these can range from immediate payments on receipt of goods (often with a negotiated small discount) to a negotiated 60-day payment.

Language

Canada is a bilingual country. The official languages are English and French, but English is widely spoken outside of Québec province.

French is the business language in Québec under provincial law. You may need an interpreter for business meetings in Québec if you don’t speak French fluently.

You should include French and English translations on business cards in Québec.

Next steps

Contact us

Get ready to do business abroad

Step-by-step lessons to accelerate your exporting ability.

Read more
Contact us

Find the answers to your exporting questions

Get instant help from our online services and how-to articles or contact our Export Support Service to access our wider network of support.

Find answers

Something went wrong. Please try again.

Was this page useful?

Thanks for letting us know

Can you tell us why this page was useful?

Do not share any personal or commercially sensitive information.

Cancel

Thanks for letting us know

Can you tell us more about your feedback?

Do not share any personal or commercially sensitive information.

Cancel

Thanks for your feedback