Trade opportunities abound for Phl exporters in Canada

MANILA, Philippines - Trade opportunities abound for Philippine exports to Canada, the world’s 9th largest economy and the highest growth performer in G-7 economies.

Lyn N. Piquero, division chief of the Bureau of Export Trade Promotion (BETP) market research and strategy group, said Canada imports large amount of food products.

Piquero, in a business forum organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), said its food imports are driven by demand from Canada’s aging population that opts for ready-made meals.

She said Canadian consumers are concerned about health and nutrition. They also prefer ethnic cuisines and environmentally-friendly food packaging.

Canada’s food imports include fresh or chilled tuna, dessicated coconut, fruits, sardines, communion wafers, pasta, fruit mixtures preparations, and sauces and preparations.

The Philippines is already exporting bulk of these products. Other top exports of the country to Canada are ignition wiring sets and other wiring sets used in vehicles; electronic micro assemblies; boron, tellurium; handbags with outer surface of sheeting of plastic or textile materials; photographic cameras; and computer input/outputs.

Apart from handbags, the Philippines can also export other wearable products like gloves, mittens; imitation jewelry; women’s/girls trousers/short of cotton knitted; and men’s, boys shirts of man-made fibers.

She said Canadian consumers are looking at fashion and trends. Many of them are shopping online.

Moreover, Piquero said Canada also import services such as software development and computer services, architectural and engineering services and health and wellness tourism; as well as homestyle products and personal care products.

“Corporate and retail customers demand creativity, high quality and reasonable prices in their handicraft purchases,” she said, noting the importance of product innovation and design.

To effectively penetrate the Canadian market, Piquero advised Filipino exporters to maximize the internet to sell their products.

“Be responsive and timely. Orders should match the quality of approved samples,” she said. – Philexport News and Features