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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider Philippines, Canada to hold free trade talks in April

Philippines, Canada to hold free trade talks in April

Published Feb 24, 2026 12:03 pm  |  Updated Feb 24, 2026 01:16 pm
(File photo)
(File photo)

The Philippines and Canada will hold the second round of talks for a free trade agreement (FTA) in April following the launch of negotiations for the historic trade pact last week.

Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty told Manila Bulletin that the next round of negotiations between Manila and Ottawa will be more comprehensive compared to the text-based and conceptual discussions during the inaugural round.

“All chapters are included in the full round,” he said.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Global Affairs Canada (GAC) successfully held the first round of talks between the two countries last week, covering key concepts of the FTA.

The introductory talks were guided by the progress in the ongoing negotiations for the trade pact between Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“Moving forward, we see this FTA as a milestone in our overall trade and investment relations as this will be our first FTA in the North American region,” said Gepty.

By strengthening bilateral ties with Canada, Gepty said the Philippines is able to foster a more mutually beneficial and forward-looking economic cooperation.

This will be achieved through enhanced market access and increased investment flows, he added.

The FTA is expected to be concluded this year, especially as both countries race to expand their respective market access amid uncertainties in global trade.

For the Philippines, this is seen as pivotal for local exporters, particularly since Canada is home to one of the largest Filipino diasporas in the world, which could readily absorb a potential influx of locally made goods.

Likewise, for Canada, the trade pact would help ease trade barriers and further strengthen the presence of its goods in the Philippines.

Based on GAC data, imports from the Philippines reached 1.8 billion Canadian dollars in 2024, while imports from Canada were valued at 1.4 billion Canadian dollars. Total bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries totaled 3.2 billion Canadian dollars.

In terms of investments, Canadian capital in the Philippines was valued at $844 million Canadian dollars in the same year, with Philippine investment in Canada valued at $48 million Canadian dollars.

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