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ARTICLE · 07 NOVEMBER 2012

Current Trends And Developments In Canadian Trade Policy - Part I

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Trade policy in Canada is important because trade is important. Exports of goods and service have traditionally contributed significantly to Canadian growth, as much as 45% of Canada’s GDP in 2000.

CanadaInternational Law
Len Edwards
Len Edwards
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Part I: Broad Trends in Canadian Trade Policy

Importance of Trade Policy to Canada:

Trade policy in Canada is important because trade is important. Exports of goods and service have traditionally contributed significantly to Canadian growth, as much as 45% of Canada's GDP in 2000 (on par with Germany). Although this has declined to almost 30% over the past decade, Canadian livelihoods still depend very much on our export performance, more so than in the U.S. where trade is around 13% of America's GDP.

A New Focus is Needed in our Trade Strategy

Canada needs to update its trade and economic priorities to focus on new dynamic markets.

The numbers tell a striking story:

  • Since 2001, Canada's share of global trade has declined by half from about 5% to about 2.5%

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