An appetite for consumption

Photo: Chris Cheadle

BRAZIL: IMPORTS UP 100%

Canada’s 2010 exports to Brazil totalled $2.6 billion, up by 73% since 2007. Brazil offers major opportunities for exporting infrastructure expertise and equipment to support it preparations for the 2014 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament, 2016 Summer Olympics and its Accelerated Growth Program. The last item, running through 2014, is funding repairs to highways, airports and ports nationwide, and construction of new energy, water and sewage systems for impoverished areas. Other growing opportunities are in online ESL programs and mobile marketing.

For more information see our Global Opportunities Tool briefing for Brazil

INDIA: IMPORTS UP 87%

India is quickly becoming one of the most important economies, thanks to five years of annual GDP growth averaging 8.2%. The world’s second most populous country needs an expanding supply of food, especially legumes and packaged foods—products that Canada is well placed to provide, as food processing is our largest source of manufacturing jobs. Canada and India aim to conclude a free-trade deal in 2013, which would create an opening for our firms to supply broadband network technology, as well as energy and mineral-extraction equipment.

For more information see our Global Opportunities Tool briefing for India

CHINA: IMPORTS UP 76%

China became the world’s No. 1 energy consumer in 2010. The country has 25 nuclear plants under construction, with more on the way, opening the door for Canadian companies to supply nuclear technology, parts and experience. Our No. 2 trading partner—which bought $12.9 billion worth of goods from us in 2010, up by 39% since 2007—is also investing heavily in renewable energy, with major offshore wind projects on the horizon for 2015. As China’s burgeoning middle class prospers, demand is growing for financial services, airplanes and airplane parts.

For more information see our Global Opportunities Tool briefing for China

INDONESIA: IMPORTS UP 64%

Indonesia’s economy grew by 6.1% in 2010, and the International Monetary Fund’s most recent forecast predicts continued growth over the next five years for Canada’s largest merchandise-trade market in Southeast Asia. The country’s abundant natural resources make it a prime customer for Canadian expertise in oil and gas extraction and pipeline building, as well as oil and mining equipment exports. Indonesia’s fast-growing middle class is fuelling demand for consumer goods, such as cellphones, packaged foods and pharmaceutical products.

For more information see our Global Opportunities Tool briefing for Indonesia

Increase in imports noted in boldface above pertains to imports from all countries between 2006 and 2010, based on World Trade Organization data for countries with at least US$100 billion in imports in 2010. The export opportunities are based on International Trade Canada analyses. For more stories from PROFIT magazine, click here.