Philippines and Canada Are Negotiating a Free Trade Deal — Round 2 Talks Set for April, Aiming to Close This Year
The Philippines is about to get its first free trade agreement in North America. Manila and Ottawa just wrapped up the first round of FTA negotiations last week, and Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty confirmed that the second, more comprehensive round will happen in April 2026.
The inaugural round focused on key concepts and text-based discussions, guided by the ongoing ASEAN-Canada trade negotiations. But April's talks will go deeper — "all chapters are included in the full round," Gepty told Manila Bulletin. Both countries are racing to expand market access amid global trade uncertainties.
This deal could be huge for Filipino exporters, and here's why: Canada is home to one of the largest Filipino diasporas in the world. That means there's already a massive built-in market for Philippine-made goods — from food products to clothing and beyond. Reduced trade barriers would make it easier and cheaper to get those products to shelves in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary.
The numbers show the potential: bilateral merchandise trade between the Philippines and Canada totaled 3.2 billion Canadian dollars in 2024. Philippine imports from Canada were valued at 1.4 billion Canadian dollars, while exports to Canada reached 1.8 billion. Canadian investment in the Philippines stood at $844 million Canadian dollars.
The DTI is aiming to conclude the FTA this year. If successful, it would mark a milestone for Philippine trade policy — opening a direct trade highway to North America. For the millions of Filipinos in Canada and their families back home, this could mean more affordable goods flowing both ways. Exciting times for PH-Canada relations.
Source: Manila Bulletin
