Bridging British Columbia and the E.U. with CETA

Summary:

What happens when two of the world’s most dynamic economies decide to deepen their partnership? British Columbia (B.C.) and the European Union (E.U.) are strengthening trade ties through the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). A recent event in Vancouver highlighted opportunities for B.C. companies to expand exports and services into Europe. The agreement continues to drive growth, innovation and investment across both regions.

• CETA removes 99 percent of tariffs and opens nearly all service sectors
• B.C. exports to the E.U. have grown steadily since 2017
• Opportunities align in clean tech, renewable energy and advanced industries

On November 27, 2025, British Columbia’s Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth, Trade Policy team hosted the Bridging British Columbia and the E.U. with CETA event. Around 50 participants attended, including B.C. businesses interested in exporting to Europe, trade experts and Consulates General from Germany, France, Portugal, the Netherlands and Ireland. The event focused on how the CETA continues to reshape transatlantic business.

E.U. Canada Relations and the Benefits of CETA

The first presentation was delivered by Stefanie Rosskopf from the Delegation of the European Union to Canada in Ottawa. The presentation outlined the internal market dynamics of the European Union and the benefits of CETA, which came into provisional application in September 2017. The agreement removed 99 percent of tariffs and created a single integrated market for goods and services. For Canadian firms, this means trading with one set of rules rather than navigating 27 separate regulatory systems.

CETA fosters competition, innovation and efficiency. It provides a regulatory environment that is stable, predictable and high in quality. For European companies, the single market is a powerful engine of competitiveness. It allows small and medium enterprises to scale quickly, ensures standards are globally relevant and attracts investment from partners like Canada that prefer a unified economic space. The agreement helps companies achieve greater scale at lower costs and aligns both economies to create new opportunities.

For importers, CETA means sourcing from European companies under uniform standards. The result is a more coherent business environment. Looking ahead, the agreement is not only about tariff reductions. It positions both sides for future challenges. B.C.’s carbon pricing system, leadership in renewable energy and emerging hydrogen economy mirror European ambitions. Together, Canada and the E.U. can build transatlantic value chains in clean technologies, from batteries to critical minerals, renewable energy and real mobility.

CETA as a Strategic Trade Tool

The second presentation came from an international trade expert with Expertise France and Global Affairs Canada, Jean-Toussaint Battestini. The focus was on areas of potential growth and how B.C. businesses can master customs and regulatory mechanisms from origin to compliance. It was highlighted that the benefits of tariff preferences are not automatic and an explanation on how to complete the necessary paperwork along with tools and resources on how to utilize the agreement were provided.

Key facts included the role of European investors in B.C., with Germany, the Netherlands, France and Ireland as the top E.U. investors in the province. The E.U. is the third largest investor in B.C. overall. For B.C. investors, Germany and Ireland are the top E.U. destinations. The E.U. ranks as the third destination for B.C. foreign direct investment.

CETA opened nearly all service sectors to foreign competition and investment. This allows companies from both sides to operate in each other’s markets under a clear set of rules. Since implementation, trade in goods between B.C. and the E.U. has grown by 31 percent and trade in services has doubled. The E.U. is now the fourth largest trade partner for B.C. in goods, with Germany ranking first.

Each year since 2015 has set new records for total trade between B.C. and the E.U. and there is more untapped potential!

Benefits of Claiming CETA

For goods, the benefits include duty-free access, competitive gains for exporters, financial gains for importers and the ability to secure long-term commercial relationships.

For services, the benefits include smoother trade flows, enhanced intellectual property protection and easier labour mobility through temporary entry provisions.

B.C. Exports to the E.U.

Main goods exported (2017–2024):

• Mineral fuels and oils
• Equipment and machinery
• Aluminium and related products
• Wood and wood products
• Industrial chemicals
• Fishery products
• Plastics for industrial use

Main services exported (2017–2023):

• Computer and information services
• Research and development
• Management services
• Maintenance and repair
• Financial services
• Architecture and engineering
• Intellectual property services

Growth Sectors for Canadian Exports

The presentation highlighted several sectors with strong potential for growth. For goods, these include agrifood products, fisheries, textiles, pharmaceuticals, aerospace and automotive industries, equipment and machinery, industrial plastics, chemicals, aluminium and steel and wood products. For services, opportunities lie in information and communications technology, environmental services such as clean tech and water management, research and development, consulting, finance, construction and manufacturing. Public procurement also offers tremendous opportunities for B.C. companies due to the vast size of the E.U. procurement market.

Participant Insights on CETA Opportunities for BC Businesses

Attendees shared positive feedback on the event.

“As a small business actively expanding to the European market, this workshop provided an excellent introduction to some of the regulatory frameworks between Canada and the E.U., and highlighted some great opportunities for us,” said Lindsay Richards, Geoscience Information Analyst from Purple Rock Inc. The company specializes in archival geoscience, using modern technology to digitize and analyze historical data in support of government geoscience, mineral exploration, mining and environmental research.

“I really enjoyed the event as I did not have much knowledge about the existing agreements between Canada and E.U. Definitely a must go event for a B.C. company who wants to export its services to E.U. I should have definitely brought with me our Regulatory expert as the second part of the presentation was more technical, that said I was able to understand which means the presentation was very well done,” said Julien Henon, Director of Projects and Business Management from Cultivated Food Labs (CFL). CFL is an innovative team shaping the future of food through Future Friendly Foods. They combine food science, engineering and regulatory expertise with a pilot plant and innovation facility to help transform ideas into market-ready solutions.

“The event was great and the Trade and Invest BC team’s professionalism was amazing. We enjoyed the presentation on CETA. Before the event, we didn’t know much about CETA and we have found the information presented was very insightful and helpful to us. We are excited about the valuable opportunities and diversifying our business in the different countries in the E.U. market.” Kim Tan, Vice President, from Sunrise Soya Foods. Founded in 1956, Sunrise Soya Foods has grown from its first block of tofu to become Canada’s largest manufacturer. Known for quality and tradition, Sunrise continues to shape the tofu market with nutritious soy products that honour the past, present and future.

“The main highlight was meeting knowledgeable people in the industry that were able to redirect me to resources that can help me reach different markets. Knowing that these supports (like Trade and Invest BC) exist and that I can connect with them afterwards is very valuable.” Truc Tran, Founder & CEO, of Anera Life products – pharmaceutical grade supplements and the only Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) in the world to be clinically tested in Human Trials. They deliver the world’s most advanced, pure, and effective longevity formulations backed by science, manufactured to the highest global standards, and trusted by those who refuse to settle for less.

The Bridging British Columbia and the E.U. with CETA event underscored the importance of the agreement as a driver of transatlantic trade. It is more than a tariff reduction tool. It is a framework for building future-oriented value chains in clean technology, renewable energy and advanced industries. For B.C. companies, CETA provides a pathway to scale, innovate and compete in one of the world’s largest integrated markets. The opportunity is clear.

Explore how your company might take full advantage of what CETA provides by contacting Trade and Invest BC.