BRUSSELS, Belgium – Canada is looking to deepen its economic ties with the European Union and work together to uphold global trade rules in the face of potential U.S. tariffs, said Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng on Saturday.

Strengthening Trade Relationships

The EU and Canada already enjoy a robust free trade agreement established in 2017, which has led to a 65% increase in bilateral trade. Additionally, they formalized a raw materials partnership in 2021.

“Trade agreements are one thing, and we have seen really great numbers, but what more can we be doing to help Canadian businesses enter into any of the 27 member states…and what more can we do to the same in Canada,” Ng said following a lunch meeting with EU Trade chief Maros Sefcovic.

Focus Areas for Collaboration

Ng highlighted that critical minerals and supporting small businesses would be key areas of focus in their collaboration. The EU’s priority is to secure access to essential metals for the energy transition, such as cobalt, lithium, and nickel, reducing reliance on China. Canada, with its vast mineral resources, is well-positioned to be a strategic partner in this endeavor.

Expanding Global Trade Reach

Canada is actively pursuing trade diversification and has set an ambitious target of increasing non-U.S. exports by 50% by 2025. Ng expressed confidence that Canada is on track to achieve, or even exceed, this goal.

“We are at the table with the countries in Southeast Asia, so the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. I took a very large delegation of Canadian businesses to the Philippines in December, to Indonesia, to markets like Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan, Korea,” Ng added, outlining Canada’s ongoing efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.

Standing Up for a Rules-Based System

Canada has taken a firm stance against U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent tariff threats on Canada and Mexico. Ottawa has pledged retaliatory duties and legal action, emphasizing its commitment to a rules-based trading system.

“We would consider all of the options are available to Canada because Canada is a country that believes in a rules-based trading system,” Ng stated, signaling readiness to challenge Washington at the World Trade Organization if necessary.