Canada–UAE trade pact set to cut tariffs on Canadian exports

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published October 27, 2026

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Canadian farmers and manufacturers would gain lower-tariff access to the United Arab Emirates under a trade agreement expected to be signed Tuesday during Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to Ottawa. Reuters reported the planned signing, citing a source familiar with the agreement.

Once fully implemented, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement would eliminate duties on goods representing more than 99 per cent of Canada’s current exports to the UAE, according to Global Affairs Canada. Products benefiting from tariff elimination include lentils, chickpeas, canola seed, potatoes and beef, alongside aerospace goods, certain light vehicles and gas turbines.

Preferential treatment would cover 93.6 per cent of current Canadian exports when the agreement enters into force. Other reductions would follow negotiated schedules. The pact also includes provisions to simplify customs procedures and improve conditions for trade in services.

International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu and UAE Foreign Trade Minister Thani Al Zeyoudi are expected to sign the agreement, Reuters reported. Negotiations concluded in July; tariff changes would take effect after the countries complete the required approval procedures and the agreement enters into force.

Canadian merchandise exports to the UAE reached C$2.8 billion in 2025, up more than 10 per cent. More than 150 Canadian companies operate there, providing an established commercial base for the agreement.

The visit’s broader agenda includes energy, critical minerals, infrastructure and technology cooperation, building on the UAE’s C$70-billion investment commitment announced during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s November 2025 visit to Abu Dhabi.