Canada strengthens trade ties with Brazil and Colombia

The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, led a 6-day visit to Brazil and Colombia to expand trade and investment and advance Canada’s commercial ties in the region.

• Main action: Minister Sidhu held meetings with senior officials including Geraldo Alckmin, Mauro Vieira, Alexandre Silveira, and São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas to advance the resumption of Canada‑Mercosur Free Trade Agreement negotiations, promote 2‑way trade in critical minerals, clean energy and supply chains, and meet industry leaders (Canada-Brazil Business Forum). The visit occurred over 6 days and the release date is August 31, 2025.
• Details & partnerships: Meetings included Embraer (clean aviation, R&D, advanced manufacturing) and Eurofarma (life sciences expansion opportunities in Canada); Sidhu visited SATENA to mark a partnership with Calgary-based De Havilland Aircraft of Canada supplying 8 DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft under a 2024 purchase agreement; quick facts cite 2024 bilateral merchandise trade with Brazil: CAD $12.7 billion (Canada exports CAD $2.5 billion; imports CAD $10.2 billion).