Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and small and medium-sized enterprises

Expanding into new foreign markets can be challenging, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Parties to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) recognize the importance of SMEs in the creation of high-quality jobs and in inclusive economic growth, and they are committed to helping SMEs better participate in international trade and regional supply chains by breaking down barriers.

Benefits of the CPTPP for SMEs

SMEs represent over 99% of Canadian businesses and almost 90% of all private-sector jobs in Canada. They form the backbone of the Canadian economy and are integral to economic prosperity across the country. However, only 11% of Canadian SMEs are doing business in the global marketplace. The negotiation and implementation of FTAs, such as the CPTPP, can help SMEs expand their businesses and take advantage of new opportunities in markets abroad.

The CPTPP can benefit Canadian SMEs by enhancing their ability to participate in and benefit from the opportunities created by the agreement and international trade by:

• creating advantageous conditions for SMEs by eliminating tariffs on 99% of current Canadian exports to CPTPP countries and providing enhanced access for service providers
• offering a single set of high-standard rules for trade across the Asia-Pacific region, making trade more predictable, transparent and accessible
• addressing key challenges and barriers to doing business in the global marketplace, such as technical barriers to trade, that disproportionately affect SMEs
• enhancing market access for Canada’s services and financial services industries and providing a comprehensive set of investment protection measures backed by a robust mechanism for resolving investment disputes
• lowering costs of participating in international trade, including by the creation of new rules that address potential barriers to digital trade and protect the free flow of data across borders
• simplifying procedures for clearing goods through customs, including by making specific commitments to enhance transparency and make information available online for SMEs
• promoting fair business practices and creating a level playing field with enforceable rules on state-owned enterprises in CPTPP markets

Tools and resources for SMEs

• The Government of Canada is working with partners to assist SMEs in taking advantage of the CPTPP and Canada’s other trade agreements. Contact a trade commissioner today to get started on accessing opportunities in CPTPP markets or for information on trade-focussed events and information sessions, including on the CPTPP, in locations across Canada.
• Many exporters seek external financing to support their ability to access international markets. There are a number of solutions available to help you market and sell abroad or help boost your working capital and reduce financial risks. Discover the various financial solutions available to help you market and sell abroad.
• If you are with a small or medium-sized business (one that has fewer than 500 full-time employees), the CanExport program could provide direct financial assistance to help you develop new export opportunities and markets.
• Learn more about CPTPP outcomes through our chapter summaries, and learn more about how tariffs will be eliminated with each of the CPTPP parties.

How can Canada help you succeed?

A number of tools and resources are waiting for you.

Contact trade commissioners

Canadian trade commissioners are located in more than 160 cities worldwide, and can provide you with key business insights and access to an unbeatable network of international contacts.

Invest in Canada

Canada’s business-friendly environment is built on world-class cities that consistently rank as the best places to live, work and play.

Business women in international trade

Networking opportunities, events and activities for women doing business across borders.

Participate in a trade mission

Information on Canada's trade missions and other international trade events for Canadian exporters.

Get funding and support for exporting into new markets

Get financial support, access co-development opportunities and pursue opportunities in new markets.

Canada Tariff Finder

Search for your product by keyword or harmonized system (HS) code. Find out what tariff rate you could claim when exporting to markets with which Canada has a free trade agreement.

There has never been a better time to diversify.”

CPTPP market information

Discover each of the CPTPP markets, and find the relevant market analysis and contact information to start trading in the CPTPP region.