Canadian agri-food exporters welcome trade progress with Ecuador and the UAE

(Ottawa, Canada - July 27, 2026) The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) welcomes the signing of the Canada-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement and the conclusion of negotiations toward a Canada-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

​The two developments will support efforts to expand and diversify international market access for Canadian agriculture and agri-food exporters.

​“Canadian agri-food exporters welcome the preferential access Ecuador will provide for products including grains and oilseeds, cereals, meat, pulses, processed foods and sugar-containing products,” said Greg Northey, President of CAFTA. “We look forward to the agreement’s timely ratification and implementation so Canadian exporters can begin benefiting from improved access to the Ecuadorian market.”

​The Canada-Ecuador agreement was signed on July 24 and will enter into force once both countries complete their domestic ratification processes.

​Canada and the United Arab Emirates have also concluded negotiations toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. The UAE is Canada’s largest export market in the Middle East and an important gateway to the region.

​“Progress with Ecuador and an important trade hub like the UAE is a helpful step toward diversifying export markets for Canadian agriculture and agri-food,” said Michael Harvey, Executive Director of CAFTA. “Reliable, rules-based access to a wider range of markets strengthens the competitiveness and resilience of Canada’s export-oriented sectors.”

​CAFTA encourages the Government of Canada to advance the remaining ratification, approval and implementation processes without delay.

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About CAFTA:
The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) is a coalition of national organizations that advocate for a more open, rules-based, and fair international trading environment for Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sectors. CAFTA’s members include the beef, pork, grains, oilseed, sugar, processed food, and life science industries, who together contribute significantly to Canada’s economy and food security.

For more information, please contact:
Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance
[email protected] | 514-834-8841