Canada deemed ‘promising market’ for premium PHL products as FTA looms

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it is working to develop the Canadian market for premium Philippine goods like mangoes ahead of the possible conclusion of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations this year. 

“As we diversify our export markets, we remain committed to helping our businesses expand their global reach through targeted export promotion, market access initiatives, and the Marcos administration’s growing network of free trade agreements,” Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque said in a statement on Tuesday. 

Exporters dispatched an initial shipment of 400 cartons of mangoes to Canada on June 3.

“Canada is a promising market for premium Philippine products, and this shipment shows that our exporters can successfully compete in high-potential destinations,” Ms. Roque said. 

In 2025, fresh mango exports hit $7.9 million, with over 94% going to Hong Kong, the DTI said.

Trade Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo cited the need to promote Philippine products in Canada as FTA negotiations wrap up. 

“Canada is a strategic market and sustained business engagement is needed to build awareness, establish distribution channels, and generate demand,” he said.

A deal with Canada, which would become the Philippines’ first FTA in North America, reflects the pressure on many countries to diversify their export markets and reduce trade barriers.

Mario C. Tani, commissioner at the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Toronto, said he hopes that the recent shipment will boost long-term sales of Philippine mangoes in Canada.-

At the end of April, Philippine exports to Canada dropped 64.4% to $235.27 million, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz