Albertans are choosing international markets over the United States in the wake of trade disputes sparked by President Donald Trump, says the Calgary Economic Development.
A recent report says small and medium businesses in the province, particularly in Calgary, are diversifying at high rates, as deals with the U.S. plummeted to 24 per cent in 2025 while spiking in international markets.
Around $60 million in trade revenue was secured from 45 international trade deals, along with nearly 200 jobs being made – a 500 per cent year-over-year increase in trade deals.
This comes as trade talks between Canada and the U.S. have been frozen since October, when Trump was angered by an Ontario-sponsored TV ad that quoted former president Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs during a MLB World Series game.
That was after he imposed worldwide tariffs in early 2025, including against Canada, and threatened 100 per cent tariffs on Canada after a contingent led by Prime Minister Mark Carney flew to China to resolve its own tariffs dispute.
Lately, Trump threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge on Monday, claiming it was built with virtually no U.S. content.
Brad Parry, the president and CEO of the CED, says the relationship between the two countries has changed over the last two years, highlighting a need to diversify.
“Look, we’re never going to replace the US as a trading partner, but I think there was just a lot more spotlight and intentionality around diversifying our trade partnerships,” he told 660 NewsRadio.
“And I think you’ve seen a lot more companies now realize that, ‘Hey, you know what, maybe there’s other places around the world that would want our products or our services.’”
According to the report, 21 countries in six continents saw the expansion of CED-supported companies sectors such as clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital technologies.
Parry says what’s happening is the CED is taking the perspective that it’s about growing the “pie bigger.”
“It’s not about trying to slice the pie thinner,” he said.
“It’s kind of like your stock portfolio. If you invest everything in just one stock, it’s probably not the best strategy. So you need to diversify that portfolio a bit, and we’re seeing that happen with our local companies on the trade side now too.”
He says CED programs are helping bring local companies into the world marketplace, including its Trade Accelerator Program, by helping them refine their messaging and relationships.
“Just last year alone, we saw Nature Mary get some exposure in the global marketplace. We saw Righteous Gelato get into all the Costcos in Japan. So those are the kinds of things we’re working on,” Parry said.
There are around 100 companies spread out through cohorts that are supported in this process.
With files from Lisa Grant