Prime Minister Mark Carney and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. have signed a document that formally ends negotiations for a Canada–Philippines free-trade agreement, with formal signing expected next year.
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Prime Minister Mark Carney and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed a document in Manila that formally ends negotiations for the Philippines-Canada Free Trade Agreement. The deal is expected to be formally signed next year.
The signing took place Saturday at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Manila, hosted by Marcos Jr., with the Canadian and Philippine leaders holding discussions on the sidelines of the event.
Carney said the agreement would be “good news for Canadians in the agriculture sector, in the aerospace sector, even in AI,” and that forestry, mining and energy sectors would benefit. He added that “Canadian supply is meeting Philippine demand” and that the agreement would give Canadian producers and companies “a bigger competitive advantage.”
Carney’s office said the agreement could increase exports by up to three times by 2035 and boost Canadian exports of agriculture and forest products.
Carney also announced $26 million to strengthen ties between Canada and the Philippines, including work on nuclear security and safety, climate-resilient agriculture, community resilience and food security and infrastructure.
The prime minister said there is also agreement to launch formal discussions on security, a possible agreement on customs, and “the protection of sensitive information.”
Canada is also extending its dark-vessel detection program, which uses satellites to detect and track fishing boats that have turned off location-transmitting devices. The extension doubles the program’s initial five-year period, with its end now slated for spring 2033.
Officials said Carney’s visit coincides with investments on Canadian drone and ocean technologies, as well as renewable energy projects for Philippine industries and data centres.
Carney and Marcos restarted bilateral trade negotiations about a year ago, after talks had begun in 2015. The evidence provided says civil society raised concerns during consultations about the Philippines’ record on the environment, labour and human rights.
In 2025, bilateral merchandise trade totalled $3.4 billion, with Canada exporting mineral ores, meat, cereals, fertilizers and aircraft, and importing cooking oils, leather and rubber products. Canada is also pursuing a broader trade agreement with ASEAN, which includes the Philippines and 10 other countries.
The evidence also says ASEAN involves 20 heads of government, including guests from outside the region such as U.S. President Donald Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
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