UK and Canada Launch Trade Working Group Ahead of G7 Summit

Canada and the United Kingdom have announced the formation of a new Economic and Trade Working Group to boost bilateral trade ties. The agreement was reached ahead of the G7 Summit in Alberta, during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Ottawa for talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The joint statement emphasized the goal of strengthening the UK-Canada trade relationship by addressing market access barriers, advancing digital trade, and collaborating on critical minerals and AI infrastructure. The working group will submit its recommendations to both prime ministers within six months.

Canada is looking to diversify trade partnerships as its key industries—steel, aluminum, and automobiles—grapple with ongoing U.S. tariffs. While the UK is a longstanding partner, it accounted for just 3.6% of Canada’s exports and 1.2% of imports in 2024, with gold and energy products leading the export list.

In a move to solidify the UK’s global trade position, Canada also announced plans to introduce legislation to ratify the UK's membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in the latter half of 2025. The CPTPP includes 11 countries: Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Mexico, and others. The UK joined the bloc in 2024 and awaits ratification from Canada and Mexico to gain full access.

Additionally, the leaders pledged to enhance defense cooperation, including continued support for Ukraine amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

This new UK-Canada initiative reflects both nations’ efforts to modernize trade, tap into strategic sectors like artificial intelligence, and reaffirm their roles in global alliances. By aligning on digital trade and critical supply chains, Canada and the UK aim to build a more resilient and future-ready economic partnership.