Canada’s Trade Lifelines: Ports and Infrastructure at the Core of Growth
Modernizing maritime gateways to support Canada’s trade ambitions !
Trade is a vital part of Canada’s economy, representing 65% of GDP in 2024, with exports supporting nearly 3.3 million jobs. While services trade grows faster due to digitalization, merchandise trade remains resilient despite tariffs and geopolitical challenges, with the WTO forecasting 2.4% growth in 2025.
To reduce reliance on the US market, the Canadian government aims to double non-US exports within a decade, an ambitious goal requiring robust transport infrastructure. Ports and waterways are central to this strategy, with a history stretching from the Hudson Bay fur trade to the St. Lawrence Seaway, enabling ocean-going vessels to reach the Great Lakes.
Major Canadian ports are already adapting to growing trade:
Vancouver handled 3.47 million TEUs in 2024, followed by Montréal (1.46M TEUs), Prince Rupert (739,000 TEUs), Halifax (509,000 TEUs), and Saint John (184,000 TEUs).
Expansion projects include Montréal’s Contrecoeur Terminal (+55% capacity) and Vancouver’s Roberts Bank Terminal 2, alongside rail and dredging improvements to accommodate larger vessels.
On the East Coast, Halifax and Saint John are modernizing for mega-ships and greener shipping solutions, while inland Great Lakes ports seek CBSA service expansions to improve efficiency and connect inland communities.
Currently, only 18% of Canada’s exports and 24% of imports move via water, but these shares are expected to grow significantly. Strategic port investments position Canada to achieve its trade diversification goals, strengthen supply chains, and reduce dependency on a single trading partner.
