The support you need to go global
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.
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.
Every business is unique. We’ll help you find the right solutions by:
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Exporting offers a multitude of advantages including:
In essence, businesses that are exporting will not only experience substantial financial gains and enhanced resilience, but they will also discover new opportunities and market possibilities, making their business more flexible and successful overall.
Keep up to date and make connections with the Edmonton region’s trade community. Subscribe to Export Insider to receive quarterly updates on opportunities, trade networking events and more!
The Edmonton region boasts a strong infrastructure that facilitates international trade. The entire region is designated as a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ), operating as an inland port known as Port Alberta. With excellent cargo connectivity, favorable regulations and tax regimes, as well as its strategic Northern location, the Edmonton region offers a competitive edge for companies looking to expand their exports.
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.
Port Alberta unlocks the potential of the inland port that is the Edmonton region – allowing you to save money while you move goods more efficiently.
Port Alberta website
Edmonton is North America’s northernmost major city and offers unparalleled accessibility via various transportation modes, including air, rail, pipelines, and roads. Positioned as an international hub for manufacturing, cargo, and logistics, our region ensures seamless connectivity.
The entire Edmonton region is a strategic inland port linked to the Port of Prince Rupert, North America’s deepest-growing port, and the Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest and most diverse port. Not to mention, our region can ship goods to the Port of Prince Rupert two days faster than any other major logistics hub. The Edmonton region is also strategically located along the Trans-Canada Highway, spanning over 7,800 km, and the CANAMEX trade corridor, which facilitates $3.9 billion in annual trade between Canada, the US, and Mexico. Additionally, our region’s circumpolar routes offer swift access to Asian markets and beyond, making the Edmonton region an ideal location for international trade and logistics.
Learn about our connectivity advantages
Edmonton region companies benefit from Canada's diverse trade agreements. Canada has free trade access to 54 countries, and is the only G7 nation with free trade access to the entire G7 and European Union. These agreements cover about two-thirds of the world's GDP and open doors to over 1.5 billion consumers worldwide.
Learn more about Canada’s trade and investment agreements. Discover new opportunities to expand your international footprint. Canada’s broad (and growing) trade network gives Canadian companies preferred access to diverse markets all over the world.
Search Canada’s list of trade and investment agreements
The region's firms can tap into several support programs and policies favoring exports. This includes "no declaration is required" designations and Foreign Trade Zone designations, among others.
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.
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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.
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.
Are you ready to go global or explore new markets? The Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) is your ticket to take your business to the next level! With this 4-day hands-on program, you’ll get the tools, connections and knowledge you need to take your business into new markets.
Trade Heros is a series where we highlight regional companies that are excelling in trade and export. These stories showcase the achievements and challenges faced by these businesses, providing inspiration and valuable lessons for anyone navigating similar endeavors.
Trade Heroes
Interested in expanding your involvement in trade? Trade missions and trade events offer great opportunities to delve deeper into available resources, establish connections within the trade community, and accelerate your business’s export journey.
Trade missions, led by provincial and federal governments, connect businesses with global markets, fostering collaboration for international expansion.
Upcoming trade missions
Whether you’re seeking information, connections, or collaboration, our events are a great way to network with local businesses, discover organizations with export resources, and accelerate your business’s export journey.
Upcoming trade event
