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Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) has weighed in on Canada’s newly announced trade agreement with China, highlighting both its strategic significance and its practical limitations for the manufacturing sector. Dennis Darby, President and CEO of CME, described the agreement as an important step in Canada’s international economic engagement, while noting that China currently represents only a small share of Canadian-manufactured goods exports, which may limit the immediate impact on market access for manufacturers.
Darby cautioned that closer trade ties must be accompanied by continued vigilance against unfair trade practices. He pointed to concerns around state-supported manufacturing overcapacity and heavily subsidized electric vehicles, which could distort competition and disrupt Canadian supply chains if not carefully managed. According to CME, ensuring a level playing field will be critical for protecting domestic manufacturers as global trade dynamics evolve.
Beyond trade enforcement, Darby emphasized the importance of strengthening Canada’s domestic policy framework to support competitiveness. He highlighted priorities such as reinforcing the defence industrial base, accelerating infrastructure development, and increasing housing supply as essential measures to underpin long-term manufacturing growth and resilience.
CME stated that its members will closely monitor how the agreement is implemented and will continue engaging with the federal government to ensure that Canadian manufacturers are positioned to compete effectively at home and in global markets.
