EDC experts say Canadian trade is more diversified than we may think

OTTAWA, May 20, 2015 /CNW/ - Export Development Canada (EDC) experts led a study which found that Canadian companies are more integrated into the global economy and much less dependent on the United States than has been previously realized. Simply put, Canada's trade diversification has been underestimated by at least 16 per cent.

"The conventional wisdom is that Canada's trade is overwhelmingly focused on the U.S. market," says Daniel Koldyk, EDC. "This view relies on customs-based export data, which does not capture Canada's broader integration into global value chains. When we incorporate value-added export data and foreign affiliate sales, it becomes clear that Canadian companies are growing and prospering overseas. In fact, foreign affiliate sales in emerging markets alone are projected to overtake those in the U.S. by 2018."

The good news for Canadian businesses who have adopted an integrative trade approach is that overseas activities can allow them to increase revenue streams, tap into the new growth centres, generate exports and contribute to the Canadian economy.

"More work overseas does not mean less activity in Canada," says Koldyk. "In order to be successful in the international market, you need a strong domestic operation. This means that you need more professional services, researchers, and administration at home. In other words, as companies grow globally, they grow at home as well. International growth also enables companies to achieve scale, which allows them to compete with their global rivals and increase their market value."

Three members of EDC's Economics team authored the report, Daniel Koldyk, Lewis Quinn and Todd Evans.

In an advance chapter from the volume Redesigning Canadian Trade Policies for New Global Realities (forthcoming), the authors provide a fuller picture of Canada's economic links with the world.

To read the full chapter visit (irpp.org).

About EDC

EDC is Canada's trade finance agency, providing financing and insurance solutions locally and around the world to help Canadian companies of any size respond to international business opportunities. As a profitable Crown corporation that operates on commercial principles, EDC works together with private- and public- sector financial institutions to create greater capacity for Canadian companies to engage in trade and investment.

For more information about how EDC can help your company, visit www.edc.ca.

SOURCE Export Development Canada

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