Looking to expand internationally?

Exporting expands your customer base and makes you more competitive.

A plane is flying over a building with a curved roof.

Supporting the growth of your business internationally

When growing your business, exporting beyond local markets makes good business sense. It gives you access to new customers, increases sales, and diversifies your business, making you less vulnerable to the ups and downs that can occur in your local market.

A aerial view of a port.

We're here to help you expand your business through export

We are your first point of contact to help you get the resources you need to reach international markets. Our team connects you with who you need—and what you need—every step of the way.

How we help

Every business is unique. We’ll help you find the right solutions by:

  • Facilitating connections
  • Providing access to a network of international/sector specialists
  • Helping you successfully navigate provincial/federal programs and grants
  • Helping to build a smooth logistics and supply chain tailored to your business
Two business people talking in front of a world map.

We are a Foreign Trade Zone

The entire Edmonton region is a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ), with access to import-export programs and cash flow tools to help accelerate business growth.

Key advantages

  • No heavy paper burden
  • No geographic restrictions
  • Improved cash flow
  • Reduced operating expenses
  • Increased international competitiveness
  • Access global markets and more than 1.5 billion consumers through Canada’s trade agreements
  • No import duties for advanced machinery and equipment imports
  • “Made in Canada” products

Strategically Located

The Edmonton region is strategically located to reach global markets, fast. Port Alberta can help you save money while you move goods more efficiently.

Ready to explore what exporting can do for your business? We can help.

A worker loading boxes onto a large airplane.

FTZ program overview

Duty Deferral Program (DDP)

The Duty Deferral Program allows for the postponement or refund of duties and taxes on imported goods in certain circumstances. The DDP covers three main components which can be used individually, or in combination, depending on your business needs. This program is of value for businesses who store goods before releasing them for sale into the Canadian market or import goods and later export them without substantially altering them or for those using imported goods in the production of other goods for export.

Export Distribution Centre (EDCP)

The EDCP is a program intended to benefit export-oriented businesses that import goods and/or acquire goods in Canada, process them to add limited value and then export them. Participants in EDCP do not pay federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) or a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on most imported goods or on domestic purchases of goods worth $1,000 or more, which in turn improves cash flow.

Exporters of Processing Services Program (EOPS)

EOPS program participants do not have to pay GST/HST on imports of goods belonging to non-residents, providing these goods are imported for processing, distribution or storage and are later exported. The benefit of this program is increased cash flow and reduced operating expenses.

A large ship with containers on the water.

Other resources available

Trade Accelerator Program

The Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) is an innovative six-week initiative designed to accelerate the strategic development of your business and prepare you for expansion into international markets. Designed to help small to medium-sized enterprises reach their global potential, TAP connects you with industry experts who help you develop and execute a personalized market-entry export plan.

 

Learn more