Executive Council
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
September 21, 2017

Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement Now in Effect

The world’s largest free trade agreement, the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), comes into effect today. CETA will result in new opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador businesses who will benefit from the immediate elimination of 98 per cent of all tariffs on Canadian goods as well as a further one per cent reduction over the next seven years.

CETA will provide Canadian companies with a first mover advantage over competitors from markets including the United States that do not have a trade agreement in place with the European Union. The agreement will allow Canadian companies to establish customer relationships, networks, and joint projects first.

Overall, the elimination of tariffs will make Canadian products more competitive in the European Union, giving Canadian exporters a significant advantage over other exporters still facing tariffs. This will allow Canadian companies to expand or create new markets for their goods in the European Union.

Examples of some of the benefits of CETA include:

• Elimination of tariffs on fish and seafood productions, providing unprecedented access to the world’s most lucrative fish and seafood market;
• Elimination of tariffs on metal and mineral products creating new opportunities to export Newfoundland and Labrador’s considerable natural resources; and
• Tariff relief for manufacturers, as well as for businesses that provide forestry and wood products.

In the coming weeks, the Provincial Government will lead a series of information sessions to highlight the opportunities for local businesses to expand their reach into the European Union.

Quotes
“Newfoundland and Labrador’s business community relies heavily on trade and greater access to the European Union will create exciting possibilities for economic growth. Our government is a partner of business and we are fully committed to working with local companies to help them capitalize on new opportunities and support job creation.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“With the implementation of CETA today, our province is able to take advantage of the opportunities that this trade agreement brings, including significant reductions in tariffs on exports. The EU is Canada’s second-largest trade and investment partner and for important Newfoundland and Labrador sectors including fish, agriculture and forestry, CETA offers significant new opportunities for growth and to move towards more value-added production. Our department is eager to work with businesses in our province to take advantage of these opportunities.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

- 30 -

Learn More
Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @TCII_GovNL  

Media contacts
Michelle Cannizzaro
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca

Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725- 9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca

2017 09 21                              11:45 a.m.