France–Canada Trade: Turning Friendship into Shared Prosperity

STATEMENT TO FCCCO MEMBERS

A message from Riva Walia, Founding Managing Director, FCCCO  |  23 August 2026

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The present uncertainty in Canada–US trade is a timely reminder that diversification is no longer optional. It can also be a blessing in disguise if it accelerates a France–Canada partnership built on trust, shared values and complementary strengths. Together with the new Ambassador of France to Canada, Canada’s new Ambassador to France and the new Consul General of France in Toronto, we at FCCCO are spearheading a Team France effort to make France a destination of choice for Canadian companies and to encourage French subsidiaries in Canada to invest more and buy Canadian.

France is open to Canadian ideas, investment and enterprise. For companies seeking growth beyond North America, France is not simply another export destination, but a strategic gateway to the European Union, combining a sophisticated domestic market, world-class infrastructure, industrial depth and direct access to the 27-country single market.

The scale of that opportunity is extraordinary: 450 million consumers, 26 million businesses and an economy of approximately €18 trillion, the second largest in the world. Once goods are legally imported into one EU member country, they can circulate across the single market without further customs duties or checks. France therefore provides Canadian companies with a credible base from which to serve customers, establish partnerships and scale across Europe.

CETA gives this ambition a practical commercial foundation. It eliminates duties on 99% of tariff lines and improves access for goods, services, investment, public procurement and professional mobility. Canada–EU trade in goods and services reached $178.6 billion in 2025 and merchandise trade has grown by more than 77% since 2016. France is already demonstrating its openness: Business France supported 57 Canadian investment projects in 2025, while Canadian direct investment in France reached $14.1 billion by year-end. The opportunity is proven, but still far from fully realised.

Where opportunity can become action

·    Industrial collaboration: Canadian companies in critical minerals, steel, aluminium, timber, clean energy, automotive technology and advanced manufacturing can use France to enter European supply chains; French companies can expand Canadian production and source more Canadian inputs.

·    Food, consumer goods and lifestyle: Canadian agri-food, seafood, beverages, apparel and sporting-goods businesses can reach discerning French customers and then scale across the EU; French brands can deepen their Canadian presence through local investment, distribution and partnerships.

·    Services and the innovation economy: AI, cybersecurity, financial services, aerospace, engineering, architecture, life sciences and clean technology are natural fields for joint ventures, research partnerships and reciprocal investment.

OUR CALL TO ACTION 

French subsidiaries in Canada should buy more Canadian, invest in local capacity and use Canada as a North American innovation base. Canadian companies should make France their preferred gateway to the EU, appoint local partners and pursue CETA-qualified opportunities with intent. Our financial institutions, governments and business networks must support bilateral investment, supplier matching, market entry and scale-up capital.

FCCCO is available for further discussion and practical action to identify opportunities, make relevant introductions and connect the two markets. This is the moment to move from friendship to shared prosperity and become, in commerce as in values, les meilleurs amis.

Riva Walia  |  Founding Managing Director, France Canada Chamber of Commerce – Ontario & Manitoba

FRANCE • CANADA  |  FRIENDSHIP INTO PROSPERITY

Sources: European Commission; Government of Canada; Business France; Prime Minister of Canada (22 August 2026).