Why Toronto Is Positioned for International Trade

Canada's Global Gateway

Toronto's engagement in international trade rests on seven pillars:

1. Strategic Location: On Lake Ontario → Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway → Atlantic Ocean.
2. World-Class Infrastructure:
   • Toronto Pearson (YYZ) – top North American cargo airport.
   • Port of Toronto – container/bulk/Ro-Ro.
   • Highways (401, 407) & rail (CN, CP) to U.S. border crossings.
3. Business Ecosystem: Diverse industries, skilled workforce, favorable tax/financing.
4. Trade Agreements: CUSMA (NAFTA 2.0), CPTPP, CETA (EU), bilateral FTAs.
5. Export Clusters: Automotive, tech/software, financial services, agri-food, aerospace.
6. Innovation & Education: U of T, Ryerson, York, research hospitals → IP commercialization.
7. Multicultural Workforce: 50%+ foreign-born; language skills, cultural fluency, global networks.

Together, these make Toronto a natural hub for Canadian exporters and foreign investors targeting North America.