Economic impact assessments suggest Canada’s auto exports will increase slightly as a result of the deal, with a modest estimated net gain in production of $206 million. Global Affairs Canada further states that the CPTPP will support diversification by giving Canadians preferential access to several markets in the Asia-Pacific.

Canada’s auto sector lobbied against the CPTPP, as some of its members are concerned about how the deal will affect new NAFTA rules.

Canada’s exports of metals and minerals — which includes iron and steel, aluminium, nickel and petroleum products — to CPTPP countries average $6.8 billion per year. For steel products, Canadian businesses currently face steep tariffs, such as 20 per cent in Malaysia and 40 per cent in Vietnam. Those tariffs, and other smaller ones in countries such as Japan (6.3 per cent) will be eliminated after a phase-out period of 10 years. Australia’s tariff of five per cent will be eliminated after four years..

The Canadian Steel Producers Association is, however, concerned about a negative impact because of the erosion of rules of origin related to the automotive sector. It also fears associated reduced steel demand.

Government analysis shows dairy imports to Canada may increase by $135.1 million as a result of the market access given to the other CPTPP members. It also foresees an increase of $3.5 million in exports. In addition, Global Affairs Canada maintains its commitment to Canada's supply-management system.

“If I needed one word to describe the merits of the deal, I would choose stability,” says Gary Stordy, public relations manager for the Canadian Pork Council. “Our producers are export-oriented. When we look at global markets and facilitating access, trade deals play a large role. CPTPP secures one of our primary markets — Japan is a billion-dollar market for us. We project an annual increase of more than $600 million thanks to the CPTPP through reduced tariff access and a competitive position over other global pork exporters such as the EU and U.S.”

Canadian beef producers expect positive outcomes from the CPTPP. “We compete in export markets with the U.S. and Australia. Agreements like CPTPP, which have the ability to level the playing field in terms of tariff rates and quotas, are very important to us,” says Ron Glaser, vice-president of corporate affairs at Canada Beef. “Even a change of a few percentage points in those areas can have a big impact on sales.”

Asia is a key market for Canadian beef, says Glaser. Having preferential access to Japan, Vietnam and Singapore is a boon.

There is lots of room for Canadian aerospace growth under the CPTPP, says Jim Quick, president and CEO of Aerospace Industries Association of Canada. Some of the trade deal partners are “emerging aerospace economies,” he says.

“Singapore and Vietnam are working very hard to develop their own aerospace sector,” says Quick. “That gives us an opportunity to get a leg up on some of our competitors there. We had existing relationships with Australia and Japan. This will strengthen those.”

"In Chile and Peru, we know some of our members that do modified aircraft want access to those countries. Any further access into markets is always a good thing,” he says.

The deal proves promising for Canada’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector.

“With free-trade agreements, one often sees strong trading relationships will first become even stronger,” says Nevin French, vice-president of policy at the Information Technology Association of Canada. “Companies with existing overseas relationships are able to grow these in the markets where they are already present. Later on, we’ll see the new markets take off.”

“Japan, Malaysia and Australia are exactly the right countries for Canadian companies to target. They’re all excellent ICT markets — tough ones, but worthwhile,” says French.