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The Philippines and Canada recently concluded the second round of negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement, with both countries expressing optimism on sustaining the current pace of progress
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PH’s Department of Trade and Industry said negotiations continue to be actively advanced through intersessional engagements and consultations, which are geared toward refining proposals and identifying opportunities to broaden market access
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The second round was held April 13-17, 2026 in Metro Manila, and the next round is already scheduled to take place in Ottawa in July
The Philippines and Canada concluded the second round of negotiations for their bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) in mid-April, with both countries expressing optimism on sustaining the current pace of progress and possibly completing discussions within the year.
The second round was held April 13-17, 2026 in Metro Manila, and the next round is already scheduled to take place in Ottawa in July, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said in a statement.
DTI said negotiations continue to be actively advanced through intersessional engagements and consultations, which are geared toward refining proposals and identifying opportunities to broaden and diversify market access for both countries.
“As the Philippines positions itself to secure its first official trade agreement with a North American country, the negotiations mark a significant milestone in fostering economic cooperation and strengthening trade and investment relations between the two countries,” DTI said.
READ: PH, Canada wrap up 1st round of bilateral free trade talks
DTI undersecretary for international trade Allan Gepty earlier said moving forward, they see the FTA as a “milestone in our overall trade and investment relations as this will be our first FTA in the North American region.”
The launch of bilateral FTA negotiations between the Philippines and Canada was endorsed during the Leaders’ Meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and Prime Minister Mark Carney in October 2025.
The Philippines and Canada in December 2024 announced exploratory discussions for a potential bilateral FTA. An initial exploratory discussion took place in 2015.
On November 5, 2025, the Government of Canada submitted to Parliament a Notice of Intent to enter into these negotiations, in accordance with the amended Policy on Tabling Treaties in Parliament.
Ambassador of Canada to the Philippines David Hartman earlier said negotiations are on track to be concluded this year as advanced discussions as co-participants in the Canada-ASEAN FTA “have accelerated our ability to conclude on an expedited basis.”
According to GAC, the Canada-Philippines bilateral merchandise trade in 2024 totaled $3.1 billion with merchandise exports to the Philippines valued at $1.4 billion, while imports from the Philippines amounted to $1.7 billion.
Top exports to the Philippines include mineral ores, meat, cereals, wood, machinery, electronics, fertilizers, and aircraft & parts. Top imports from the Philippines, meanwhile, include electronics, machinery, animal and vegetable oils, leather and rubber products, scientific instruments, and preparations of vegetables.
In 2023, Canadian investment in the Philippines was valued at $983 million and Philippines investment in Canada was valued at $58 million. People-to-people links also continue to grow between Canada and the Philippines, with about a million Canadians of Filipino descent living across Canada, including in remote areas. The Philippines is a top source of immigrants including international students, as well as healthcare and agricultural workers for Canada.
