Calling Canadian Exporters!

Is your company thinking of exporting to international markets?

Maybe you already export to the U.S. or the world.

Here are some reasons why the timing is just right to ramp up your exports.

Cooling Canadian Dollar Heats Up Exports

The Canadian dollar dropped in January to the lowest level since 2003. It is currently trading at around 70 cents to one U.S. dollar. The low Loonie, as the Canadian currency is commonly called, is a boon for all Canadian exporters. A growing number of analysts are predicting that a weaker-than-expected economy  will push the Canadian dollar downwards. Canadian households continue to dig themselves out of record-high levels of debt. One expert predicts the Loonie will match record lows. Perhaps the most dire prediction for the Loonie is that the currency could fall as far as 62 cents U.S.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Canadian importers. Canadian companies that rely on U.S. imports for any part of their supply chain are suffering.

Yet, Canada’s geographic position is a major boost for our economy. We sit atop the country with arguably the best performing economy in the developed world. Being so close to the U.S. softens the blow of the falling Canadian dollar and makes it possible for export-oriented industries to thrive. Weakness in the loonie is overall a good thing for exporters who form an important pillar of our economy.

European expansion?

Many Canadian business owners look to the U.S. as a first place to expand internationally, but have you investigated other markets? How about growth into the European market?

In 2017 Canada signed The Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) with the EU. Exporting to Europe is now easier, and more profitable, than ever!

Prior to CETA, only 25 percent of EU tariff lines on Canadian goods were duty-free. After CETA, 98 percent of EU tariff lines became duty-free for Canadian goods. An additional one percent will be eliminated by 2014.

There are tangible and significant export opportunities in the EU market.

Canadian goods that face tariffs – on everything from machinery to maple syrup – are now more competitive in the EU market. Canadian exporters have a great advantage over other exporters still facing EU tariffs. CETA also allows Canadian companies to expand or create new markets for their goods across the EU.

Many Canadian business owners don’t consider Europe as a go-to market for expansion. It can seem far away and untested. But if you aren’t thinking about Europe as part of your business growth plans, you may be leaving money on the table.

Need a logistics partner? FMi can help!

FMi has a network of freight forwarding and worldwide agents that allow us to offer a complete range of international services to anywhere in the world.

It is a challenge to select the most efficient and cost effective transportation options. If you need to fill a gap in your supply chain or complete end-to-end logistics solutions you can trust FMi. We help you create creative solutions that meet your transportation needs.

Multimodal transportation solutions, like FMi’s Ocean/Air service, provide flexibility in both timing and price. Additionally, FMi’s partnerships with key air, ocean and ground carriers provide customizable and integrated global transportation solutions. We can help you gain leverage in both space allocation and pricing.

Are you thinking of expanding your business into Europe, or looking to better service an existing market? FMi’s skilled export team can simplify the process. We can expertly by manage all your logistics and documentation requirements.

FMi professionally handles your exports. You are free to manage and grow your business. Give FMi a call. We would love to hear about your business ideas.