Ontario seeks to strengthen trade ties with Portugal

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has expressed a commitment to strengthening commercial ties with Portugal, describing the nation as a ‘vital commercial partner’. This strategic shift comes as the province seeks to diversify its markets amid a perceived inward turn by the United States.

Bilateral trade between Ontario and Portugal exceeded 1.1 billion Canadian dollars in 2025. Ford identified several key sectors for potential cooperation and expansion, including aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and life sciences. He emphasized that deepening these economic relations would create job opportunities in both territories.

Ontario's Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Vic Fedeli, has reportedly been in contact with Portuguese representatives to develop these existing partnerships further.