FTA Tracker

India-Canada CEPA Tracker

Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations and what they mean for Canadian exporters.

Negotiation Status

In Progress

India-Canada CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement)

$9.4B

Current Trade

+40%

Expected Growth

Negotiation Timeline
November 2022

Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA) proposed

Interim deal proposed to fast-track key sectors while full CEPA negotiations continue

2023

Negotiations paused

Diplomatic tensions led to temporary pause in negotiations

February 2024

Negotiations resumed

Both countries agreed to restart CEPA talks after diplomatic relations improved

2024-2025Current

Active negotiations

Multiple rounds of negotiations covering goods, services, investment, and IP

2025-2026 (Expected)

CEPA finalization

Target completion of comprehensive agreement

Expected Benefits for Canadian Exporters
Projected tariff changes when CEPA is finalized

Pulses & Lentils

Solidify Canada's position as #1 supplier

Current

0-10%

Expected

0%

Potash & Fertilizers

Increased competitiveness vs other suppliers

Current

0-5%

Expected

0%

Machinery & Equipment

Significant duty savings on industrial exports

Current

7.5-15%

Expected

0-5%

Wood Products

Better access for lumber and paper products

Current

5-10%

Expected

0-5%

Seafood

Open new market for Canadian seafood

Current

10-30%

Expected

0-10%

Clean Technology

Support India's clean energy transition

Current

5-15%

Expected

0%

* Expected rates are projections based on typical FTA outcomes. Final rates will depend on negotiation results.

Negotiation Areas

Market Access (Goods)

Tariff reductions on agricultural, industrial, and manufactured goods

Negotiating

Services & Investment

IT services, financial services, and investment protections

Negotiating

Rules of Origin

Determining what qualifies as 'made in Canada/India'

Negotiating

Intellectual Property

Patent, trademark, and copyright protections

Negotiating

Digital Trade

E-commerce, data flows, and digital services

Negotiating

Government Procurement

Access to government contracts in both countries

Early Stage
Why CEPA Matters

Duty-Free Access

Eliminate or reduce tariffs on Canadian goods

1.4B Consumer Market

Access to world's most populous country

Growing Middle Class

Rising demand for quality Canadian products

Services Market

Opportunities in IT, finance, and consulting

Ready to Export to India?

Don't wait for CEPA. Start exploring opportunities now and be ready when the agreement is finalized.

Sources:

  • Global Affairs Canada
  • Ministry of Commerce, India
  • Export Development Canada