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Export development Canada (E D C)
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United Kingdom

The U.K. offers a prosperous consumer market, a skilled global workforce, and the No. 1 European destination for foreign direct investment for Canada.

Country Information Export Development Canada Europe and CIS
  1. United Kingdom
  2. Country and Market Info

Evaluating the market in the United Kingdom

We can help you get a better understanding of market activity, relationships and support to grow your business.

EDC Position

EDC Country Position - Open

Open

What this means:

  • Actively pursuing business
  • All EDC solutions are available in this market, subject to regular approval criteria

How does EDC determine the position?

EDC takes the following into account when determining the position in a given market:

  • Government of Canada restrictions
  • Political, human rights and corruption risks
  • Other factors that may be taken into consideration are: size of the economy, diversification of the economy, risk of natural disasters



Read the latest Government of Canada travel advisory for this market.
 

Business environment in United Kingdom

The UK was Canada’s 3rd largest merchandise export market in the world in 2016 and the largest destination for Canadian direct investment in Europe. The UK has a highly accommodative business environment, making it an attractive location for investment. Nonetheless, the UK’s vote to leave the EU is expected to have negative repercussions and the economy is expected to slow this year and next with high uncertainty impacting consumption and investment decisions. We see strong opportunities in the Cleantech & Renewables, Mining & Metals, Oil & Gas, Infrastructure and Transportation, and ICT sectors.
  • Aerospace 
  • Construction & Infrastructure 
  • Mining & Metals
  • Oil and Gas
  • Rail
  • Renewable Energies 
  • Telecom
  • Transportation Services

Here’s a helpful tip for doing business in the U.K.

Your UK meeting partners may appear detached during negotiations, but fear not: they tend to make decisions based on facts rather than emotions – and they prefer win-win deals.

   

We understand opportunity

With our knowledge and solutions, you can take on the world knowing that we've got your back.

View our solutions
International Trade Solutions

Access more insights on this country

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Path to net zero: How Indigenous companies can benefit

Webinar Indigenous procurement in a net zero economy.

Female industrial worker with white hard hat and yellow safety vest standing in front of a blurry wood pile.

Path to net zero: How Indigenous companies can benefit

Webinar Indigenous procurement in a net zero economy.

Joe Mimran poses with globe with blue chevrons in background.

Certn: Building trust internationally

Podcast March 20, 2024 Discover how Certn, a background check company, is transforming hiring processes world-wide.

Tech company plans expansion into European market

Tips for tech companies expanding into U.K., European markets

Article July 15, 2022 Opportunities abound, but do your homework first

Handsome Canadian exporter walks to meeting in London.

Market of opportunity: Doing business in the United Kingdom

Article May 02, 2022 The U.K. remains a durable springboard for Canadian companies into the European market.

Big Ben in London

Brexit- Here is what you need to know

Blog January 22, 2021 The UK’s withdrawal from the EU is complete. What does that mean for Canadian exporters?

View more


 

Interested in growing your business in this market?

If you’re an existing customer, please contact your EDC account manager about any additional support you need. If you’re new to EDC, please contact us weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET.

1-800-229-0575

Or send us a question and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Send a question.

Date modified: 2023-08-08

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