Exporting to the United States – A Team Canada Inc Publication

1.3 Understanding Canada-U.S. relations

Trade, of course, is only part of a larger network of relationships between our two countries. This network evolves in response to many complex influences, and exporters need to consider how our two countries' ever-expanding, ever-changing relationships will affect their activities. To take just a few examples:

• The events of September 11, 2001 and the resulting security measures have affected border wait times, packing legislation, reporting requirements and many other export-related issues.
• The Canada-U.S. trade relationship is not static. Political and business strategies and practices change on both sides of the border, and events occur – such as "mad cow disease" – that are beyond almost everyone's control.
• Many Americans are not aware of the political and economic value of the Canada-U.S. relationship, and Canada is consequently not a priority for them.

The Government of Canada is very active in fostering relations with the United States, and has expanded its U.S. consular presence to help enlarge and secure the trade relationship. This "Enhanced Representation Initiative" increases Canada's representation in the U.S. to 22 such offices.

For more information, you can visit Foreign Affairs Canada's Canada-United States Relations Web site, which has links to many resources covering various aspects of the bilateral relationship, including visas and immigration, border cooperation and politics, as well as trade. The site also includes a handy link to a list of Government of Canada offices in the U.S.