EDC Trade Confidence Index shows exporters navigating uncertainty

Global trade continues to face multiple headwinds, and Canadian exporters are feeling the strain. Key findings from the summer 2025 survey include: 

Exporters respond with resilience and diversification strategies

Despite the challenges, Canadian exporters are adapting. Strategies include:

• Growing domestic sales
• Diversifying into new markets
• Sourcing locally to manage tariff impacts

Free trade agreement usage shows room for growth

From a trade diversification perspective, the use of free trade agreements (FTA) by exporting respondents appears to be uneven. The results suggest significant opportunity to increase FTA utilization among qualifying exporters:

• 58% of those exporting to the U.S. use the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
  
• Only 34% of those that export to the applicable markets in the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) agreement currently use it.
  
• Similarly, only 14% of those that export to applicable markets in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) report leveraging that FTA.

Canadian exporters are navigating a complex trade environment, including the impact of tariffs and evolving global dynamics. As they manage risk and build resilience amid ongoing disruptions, EDC is here to support Canadian businesses.

Discover how exporters are responding to rising costs, cash flow challenges and declining U.S. orders. EDC’s latest Trade Confidence Index reveals one of the lowest scores on record—find out what’s driving the decline and how companies are adapting through diversification and strategic shifts.