Guide to Exporting
When your company decides to look towards foreign markets for selling your product(s) you need to make an Export Plan. The Export Plan is basically a Business Plan with an international market focus (specifically, the target market(s) you have selected). The Exporter Plan describes the company’s target market(s) in detail, clarifies your export goals, activities and objectives, and determines the resources necessary to achieve your anticipated positive results.
Assessing Your Export Readiness
TFO Canada and other organizations offer a wealth of information, advice and education to help you prepare for success as an exporter, and for the competitive Canadian marketplace. Your first step in accessing TFO Canada’s trade information services is to register your company with us if you haven’t already.
Export Planning
When your company decides to look towards foreign markets for selling your product(s) you need to make an Export Plan. The Export Plan is basically a Business Plan with an international market focus (specifically, the target market(s) you have selected). The Exporter Plan describes the company’s target market(s) in detail, clarifies your export goals, activities and objectives, and determines the resources necessary to achieve your anticipated positive results.
Export Plan Template
As a key tool for export success an export plan needs to include clear set of directions to identify every step of the process. In this section you will find a suggested format for an export plan.
Importer Connect
TFO Canada offers a free service that provides exposure of your company and products directly to Canadian Importers. Register with us to receive this free service. By registering you will also gain access to richer content available at this website.
Trade Shows
Visit TFO Canada’s online Events Calendar for an updated list of Canadian and international trade shows
Trade Representatives
As your ears and eyes in Canada, trade representatives at your Embassy, High Commission or Consulate can help identify potential Canadian importers or direct you to independent consultants who can provide (for a fee) a list of potential Canadian buyers. You can also refer to this list of accredited Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Obtain a List of Potential Buyers
You can search for potential buyers through the Canadian Importer Database or for wholesalers/distributors through the Canadian Company Capabilities registry. Contact the industry association for your sector in Canada (see Annex 2) and look for a membership list on its website for possible leads.
Further Resources
getting support from your foreign representative in Canada
CERTIFICATIONs
In addition to complying with Canadian regulation requirements, exporters may wish to pursue additional voluntary certifications that can increase consumer confidence in their product and its claims. When seeking out environmentally and socially-responsible products, 33% of Canadians check for third-party certification. The following list provides a summary of the most common certifications used in Canada.
Trade Shows
Visit TFO Canada’s online Events Calendar for an updated list of Canadian and international trade shows.
Customs Tariff
Use our search tool to identify the tariff that is applied to any product imported into Canada. This data is obtained from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and is provided for convenience of reference only.
For more information, visit the CBSA website.
Canadian Consumer Profile
The Canadian job market has continued its upward trajectory, which has boosted the confidence of Canadian consumers. According to a recent report by the Conference Board of Canada, this newfound confidence is driving a continuous spending pattern, which paired with Canadians continuous borrowing, with a total of $37,400 held per household in consumer debt, has lead to high levels of consumer spending. On the other hand, the Bank of Canada has announced that inflation will rise above the earmarked 2%, which will lead to higher prices, especially for fuel, energy, food, healthcare and education.
CANADIAN MARKET OVERVIEW
38.6 Million total population in 2022 (increased by 1.8 million since the 2016 census). 1.44 Million, nearly four-fifths of the 1.8 million population increase from 2016 to 2021 was attributable to new arrivals to Canada. English & French two official languages.
Canadian Market Trends And Statistics
$613 billion total Canadian imports in 2021. 2% growth rate from 2019. 14 billion apparel and textiles, 10.6 billion natural health products, 9.1 billion fruit and vegetables, 8.2 billion in construction materials.
Participating in Trade Events
Having determined that you are ready to export (through the Export Readiness Quiz), the next step is to begin your export planning. When your company decides to look towards foreign markets for selling your product(s) you need to make an Export.