For market diversification, Guatemala says choose us

Canadian trade negotiators may feel their backs are against the wall when they begin negotiations with their U.S. and Mexico counterparts this month. After all, these countries – particularly the U.S. \ -- are our traditional trading partners. There’s a lot to lose by less trade and less market access.

But in the background, a new scenario has developed. Prime Minister Mark Carney says the days of relying on the U.S. are over and that Canada is much better served by diversifying its trading partners.

Those are encouraging words to other countries who believe they have fruit and vegetables to offer Canada, and activity is starting to stir. Take Brazil, for example. In 2025, it exported almost $54 million worth of fruit – mainly mangoes, watermelon and grapes – to Canada. As well, officials at the Ontario Food Terminal report increased citrus shipments, especially lemons and oranges, arriving from Turkey.