With US trade relations under pressure and tariff uncertainty clouding North American commerce, Kamloops businesses have more options than many realize. Canada holds 14 other free trade agreements beyond CUSMA, unlocking preferential access to over 40 countries and 1.5 billion consumers worldwide.
When trade headlines dominate the news, they almost always focus on Canada’s relationship with the United States. And understandably so, approximately 75% of Canada’s total trade flows through CUSMA (the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement). But for Kamloops businesses looking to grow, reduce dependency on a single market, or simply explore new revenue streams, there is a remarkably underutilized toolkit sitting right beneath the surface: 14 additional free trade agreements covering some of the world’s most dynamic and growing economies.
This isn’t a distant policy conversation. It directly affects manufacturers in Kamloops’ industrial parks, ranchers and agri-food producers throughout the Thompson-Okanagan region, professional services firms, technology companies, and natural resource exporters. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Diversification Matters Now
The past two years have reinforced a lesson Canadian businesses have periodically had to relearn: over-reliance on a single trading partner creates vulnerability. Tariff threats, political shifts, and supply chain disruptions can ripple through an entire regional economy when most eggs are in one basket.
Kamloops sits at the intersection of key transportation corridors, Highway 1, the Trans-Canada rail network, and proximity to the Port of Vancouver, making it genuinely well-positioned to serve export markets far beyond North America. Canada’s existing trade agreements are essentially pre-negotiated market access that most local businesses aren’t fully using. Understanding what’s available is the first step to capitalizing on it.
Canada is the only G7 economy with comprehensive free trade access to all other G7 members and the European Union, a distinction that opens doors most Canadian businesses have yet to walk through.
-Government of Canada, Trade Commissioner Service
Canada’s Key Trade Agreements
Beyond CUSMA, here are the most strategically significant free trade agreements Canada has in force, and how each one creates opportunity for Kamloops businesses.
Multilateral · 2017
CETA
European Union — 27 Countries
The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the EU eliminated tariffs on 98% of Canadian goods immediately upon taking effect, with 99% duty-free access achieved by 2024. The EU represents over 440 million consumers and is the world’s largest single market. For Kamloops exporters in forestry products, agri-food, and advanced manufacturing, Europe is an open door.
Learn More. | Multilateral · 2018
CPTPP
Australia · Japan · Vietnam · Malaysia · Singapore · New Zealand · Peru · Chile · Brunei
The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership connects Canada to the high-growth Asia-Pacific. Japan alone is the world’s third-largest economy. Vietnam and Malaysia are fast-growing manufacturing hubs. For BC-based businesses, the geographic proximity of Pacific markets makes CPTPP especially compelling.
Learn More. |
Bilateral · 2015
Canada–Korea FTA
Republic of Korea
Canada’s first FTA in Asia-Pacific (before CPTPP), this agreement opened preferential access to South Korea’s 52-million-person market. Korea is a major importer of agricultural products, energy, and natural resources, all categories where the Kamloops region has genuine competitive strengths. A Canada-Korea MOU signed in January 2026 further deepens bilateral ties in EVs and critical minerals.
Learn More. | Bilateral · 2012
Canada–Jordan FTA
Jordan
A smaller but strategically positioned agreement, Jordan serves as a gateway to Middle Eastern markets. The agreement covers goods, services, and investment protections, and is particularly relevant for technology and professional services firms looking to work in a stable, English-friendly regional hub.
Learn More. |
Bilateral · 2009
Canada–Peru FTA
Peru
Peru is one of Latin America’s fastest-growing economies and a major resource-extraction hub. The Canada-Peru FTA offers opportunities in mining services and technology, agri-food, and professional services. Canadian companies working in the mining sector, a natural fit given Kamloops’ own resource economy, have particular advantages here.
Learn More. | Bilateral · 2009
Canada–EFTA FTA
Switzerland · Norway · Iceland · Liechtenstein
The European Free Trade Association agreement provides access to four prosperous, stable European economies outside the EU. Switzerland is a global centre for finance, pharma, and precision manufacturing. Norway is a major energy economy. These markets are niche but high-value — ideal for specialized goods and professional services.
Learn More. |
Bilateral · 2011
Canada–Colombia FTA
Colombia
Colombia is South America’s third-largest economy and one of its most open to trade. The FTA covers goods, services, investment, and intellectual property. For Kamloops businesses in agri-food, mining services, or technology, Colombia represents an accessible entry point into the broader Latin American market.
Learn More. | Bilateral · 2017
Canada–Ukraine FTA
Ukraine
Modernized in 2023, the Canada-Ukraine FTA includes strengthened provisions for services and investment. As Ukraine rebuilds, Canadian expertise in construction, resource management, and infrastructure services is in high demand. This agreement also carries a strong relationship dimension, given Canada’s large Ukrainian diaspora.
Learn More. |
What’s on the Horizon
Canada’s trade agenda is actively expanding. Several significant agreements are in advanced stages of negotiation or near ratification that could open further doors for Kamloops businesses in the coming years.
Canada–Indonesia CEPA has been fully negotiated. Indonesia is Southeast Asia’s largest economy with over 270 million people and a rapidly growing middle class. Canada–Ecuador FTA has been agreed upon and awaits signing. Canada is also actively pursuing agreements with ASEAN as a whole (a 10-nation bloc of 680 million people) and India (the world’s most populous country).
In the Asia-Pacific, the UK’s accession to the CPTPP is progressing through domestic ratification; once in force, it will add the world’s sixth-largest economy to Canada’s Pacific trade bloc, further expanding market access.
The message is clear: Canada’s trade network is not static. Businesses that begin building export capacity and international relationships today will be positioned to take advantage of new agreements as they come into force.
How to Get Started
Knowing the agreements exist is one thing; actually using them requires preparation. As the economic development arm of the City of Kamloops, our team works directly with local businesses to identify export opportunities, make introductions and connect companies with provincial and trade support programs. Whether you’re considering your first export or looking to enter a new market, we can help you map the opportunity.
Ready to Explore Global Markets?
Venture Kamloops works with businesses at every stage of their export journey, from initial market assessment to connecting with the Trade Commissioner Service and accessing export financing. Let’s talk about where your business could grow.
Contact Venture Kamloops |