Export and Trade Growth Hub

Supporting Middlesex County Businesses to Reach Global Markets

Middlesex County is committed to helping local businesses grow beyond borders, strengthen resilience, and unlock new opportunities across Canada, the United States, and global markets.

While the United States remains an important trading partner, today’s global economy offers diverse opportunities for expansion, innovation, and long-term growth. Our role is to connect businesses with the right tools, funding, and expertise to succeed internationally.

Why Export?

Exporting helps businesses:

  • Increase revenue and scale operations
  • Reduce reliance on a single market
  • Build resilience against economic changes
  • Access new customers, partners, and supply chains

Canada’s strong trade agreements; including CUSMA (Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement), continue to support cross-border trade, while new programs are helping businesses expand into emerging and high-growth markets worldwide.

Where Are the Opportunities?

Canada (Interprovincial Trade)

  • Growing focus on Canadian supply chains and domestic markets
  • Support for expanding into other provinces through new funding streams
  • Increasing demand for locally produced goods and services

United States

  • Canada’s largest trading partner with established supply chains
  • Continued opportunities under CUSMA for compliant goods
  • Strong demand in manufacturing, agri-food, and technology sectors

Global Markets

  • Significant growth opportunities in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and emerging markets
  • Federal programs increasingly support market diversification beyond the U.S.
  • Rising demand for Canadian innovation, agri-food, and clean technologies

Trade Agreements: Opening Doors to Global Markets

Canada’s network of international trade agreements provides Middlesex County businesses with preferential access to over 50 countries, covering more than 1.5 billion consumers worldwide. These agreements help reduce or eliminate tariffs, simplify regulations, and create a more predictable environment for exporters.

Understanding and leveraging these agreements can significantly enhance your competitiveness in global markets.

Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) - https://www.international.gc.ca/trade-commerce/trade-agreements-accords…

  • Maintains tariff-free access for most goods traded within North America
  • Supports integrated supply chains across manufacturing, agri-food, and automotive sectors
  • Provides clear rules of origin and dispute resolution mechanisms
  • Key agreement for businesses exporting to the United States and Mexico

Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) - https://www.international.gc.ca/trade-commerce/trade-agreements-accords…

  • Eliminates tariffs on 98% of goods exported to the European Union
  • Opens access to a market of 450+ million consumers
  • Opportunities in agri-food, advanced manufacturing, clean technology, and services
  • Includes access to government procurement opportunities in Europe

Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) - https://www.international.gc.ca/trade-commerce/trade-agreements-accords…

  • Connects Canada to fast-growing markets across the Asia-Pacific region
  • Includes countries such as Japan, Vietnam, Australia, and others
  • Reduces tariffs and improves market access for agri-food, seafood, and industrial goods
  • Supports long-term diversification beyond North America

Other Key Agreements & Opportunities - https://www.international.gc.ca/trade-commerce/trade-agreements-accords…

Canada also maintains agreements with countries in:

  • Latin America (e.g., Chile, Colombia, Peru)
  • Middle East and Israel
  • United Kingdom (continuity agreement post-Brexit)

These agreements create additional pathways for Middlesex businesses to expand into emerging and niche markets.

Funding & Export Support Programs

Federal Programs

Up to $50,000 in funding for export development activities

Covers market research, trade shows, travel, and marketing

Strong focus on new and diversified markets

On-the-ground support in 160+ global cities

Market intelligence, partner introductions, and export advice

Financing, insurance, and risk management tools

Helps businesses scale internationally and secure contracts

Support for securing government contracts abroad

Reduces risk in international procurement

Ontario Programs

Supports businesses impacted by trade disruptions

Helps expand into new markets and interprovincial trade

Focus on supply chain resilience and competitiveness

Participation in global trade shows and missions

Sector-specific export opportunities

Sector-Specific Opportunities

Supports global promotion and market access

Focus on market diversification and export growth

  • Innovation & Technology Export Support

Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA)

Innovation partnerships and global commercialization

Export Advisory & Readiness Support

Businesses at any stage can access:

  • Export readiness assessments
  • Market selection strategies
  • Regulatory and compliance guidance (including CUSMA)
  • Partner and distributor connections
  • Trade show and mission preparation

Connect with Middlesex County Economic Development - https://investinmiddlesex.ca

We can help guide you to the right programs and partners.

Latest News & Trade Updates

Recent Government Announcements

New programming to help businesses expand globally and manage trade complexity

Supports SMEs to strengthen supply chains and access North American markets

New investments to help Canadian agri-food exporters access global markets

Navigating Trade & Tariffs

Trade environments evolve—but Canadian businesses are supported through:

  • Export financing and insurance
  • Market diversification programs
  • Trade advisory services
  • Supply chain resilience initiatives

Programs like the Ontario Together Trade Fund and federal export supports are designed to help businesses adapt, compete, and grow in changing global conditions

Middlesex County Advantage

Located in Southwestern Ontario, Middlesex County offers:

  • Strategic access to U.S. Midwest markets
  • Proximity to major transportation corridors (Highways 401 & 402)
  • Competitive business environment and skilled workforce
  • Strong agri-food, manufacturing, and technology sectors

Let’s Grow Your Business Globally

Whether you are exploring exporting for the first time or expanding into new markets, Middlesex County is here to support your journey. Middlesex County can connect you with experts through:

Contact Us

Phone: 519-434-7321 Ext. 2355
Email: @email 
1988 Gainsborough Road, Middlesex Centre N6H 5L2