Canada and Türkiye to Launch Free Trade Exploratory Discussions
If a Canada-Türkiye free trade agreement is eventually concluded, it could reduce or eliminate duties on qualifying goods.
Canada and Türkiye have agreed to launch exploratory discussions toward a possible free trade agreement, following a meeting in Ottawa between Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, and Türkiye’s Minister of Trade, Ömer Bolat.
According to a joint statement by Canada and Türkiye, the discussions aim to reaffirm the shared commitment to deepen bilateral trade and investment between the two countries. This step demonstrates both countries' ambition in realizing the full potential of their commercial partnership.
The two nations do not currently have a free trade agreement. Goods traded between them are generally subject to the applicable tariff treatment in each market, including Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) duty rates where applicable.
Türkiye is an emerging market of interest to Canada. In 2024, two-way merchandise trade between the two countries exceeded $4.3 billion, with Canadian exports to Türkiye totalling $1.3 billion and imports from Türkiye reaching $3.1 billion.
During that year, Canada’s main exports to Türkiye included lentils and chickpeas, iron and steel waste and scrap, and soybeans. Its leading imports from Türkiye included flat-rolled iron sheet products, tugboats, and pharmaceutical products.
The ministers welcomed the recent expansion of the Canada-Türkiye Air Transport Agreement, which strengthens connectivity between the two countries and opens new opportunities for businesses.
They also identified energy as a promising area for expanded cooperation. The two countries agreed to explore opportunities in renewable and nuclear energy, including the potential role of Canadian CANDU technology in supporting Türkiye’s energy diversification goals.
The joint statement also pointed to closer collaboration in aerospace, including partnerships that could support growth, investment, and shared technological advancement in defence, security, and related industrial sectors.
At Cole International, we offer trade consulting and customs brokerage services to help Canadian businesses navigate new trade agreements and changing trade measures.
Reach out to one of our trade professionals to discuss how a potential free trade agreement between Canada and Türkiye may affect your business.