News

OWIT-Toronto members are invited to visit the Canadian Women in Food (CWIF) Booth #1919 at this year’s GIC Show from October 28-29in Toronto. Connect with inspiring women-owned food brands from across Canada and discover innovative products making waves in grocery and foodservice. Tickets are just $60 each – request and purchase your ticket by emailing CWIF at info@canadianwomeninfood.ca. 

OWIT at Brazil Week 2025

By Lilian Marins

Ambassador Enio Cordeiro, Consul General of Brazil in Toronto, and Lilian Marins

OWIT Toronto was honoured to participate in Brazil Week 2025 in September, organized by our partner, the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce (BCCC). It brought together business leaders, policymakers, and trade experts to explore new possibilities for bilateral cooperation. Represented by board members Lilian Marins and Susan Baka, OWIT contributed to discussions that combined trade policy, economic opportunity, and the human dimension of international business. 

From the opening sessions, one message was clear: this is a pivotal moment to strengthen Brazil–Canada partnerships. Brazil has achieved record trade surpluses since 2023, exporting to more than 190 markets — a diversification strategy that has proven resilient even amid U.S. tariffs. At the same time, Canada remains one of the most open economies to foreign investment, with provinces such as Ontario and Quebec actively attracting FDI through agencies like Invest Ontario and Investissement Québec.

The data tells a compelling story: in 2024, Brazil exported nearly CAD 10B to Canada, mainly metals, sugar, chemicals, and agrifood products, while Canada exported CAD 2.5B to Brazil, with fertilizers, machinery, and aircraft at the forefront. Canadian FDI stock in Brazil exceeds CAD 20B, while Brazilian FDI in Canada is growing steadily, particularly in mining, clean tech, and innovation. In the first half of 2025 alone, Brazilian exports to Canada rose 25% year-over-year, reaching US$3.4B.

Sectoral discussions during Brazil Week pointed to natural complementarities:

• Energy & CleanTech: Canadian expertise in ESG mining and renewables aligns with Brazil’s ambitious energy transition.
• Agriculture & Food Security: Brazil, a global food powerhouse, depends on imports of potash — over 90% from Canada and Russia — underscoring the importance of critical minerals to global stability.
• Life Sciences & Innovation: Ontario’s biotech and medtech firms are already forging partnerships with Brazilian hospitals, demonstrating the potential for collaboration in healthcare innovation.
• Smart Mobility & Technology: From aerospace integration to AI-driven agritech, innovation is a natural bridge between both economies.

Yet Brazil Week was more than figures and sectors. It was about perspectives that shape the future of trade. A particularly striking moment came when a McCarthy Tétrault speaker observed:“If you want to see a war, leave people hungry. We will reach the point where it’s no longer about trade — it will be about life." This reminder resonated deeply with participants: trade is not an abstract concept, but a driver of food security, peace, and human well-being.

OWIT is proud to have been part of these conversations, which also highlighted the role of women in international trade. The presence of ApexBrasil, represented by Ana Paula Repezza, Renata Amaral, and Tatiana Prazeres, reaffirmed that empowering women leaders is not optional; it is essential to building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable trade systems.

After three days of discussions, one conclusion stood out: the Brazil–Canada relationship is not just about trade flows. It is about building bridges, both economic and cultural, as well as human. OWIT Toronto, through the active engagement of board members Lilian Marins and Susan Baka, was proud to contribute to this dialogue and to reaffirm its mission: ensuring that women are central to shaping the future of global commerce.

British Canadian Chamber of Trade and Commerce (BCCTC)

Mairead Lavery, Martin Buckle,  Susan Baka and Gowling Partner Marcus Hinkley

As part of our commitment to collaborate with Chambers of Commerce in the city, OWIT-Toronto joined BCCTC’s Let’s Talk – Clearing the Path to International Trade event on October 1.  Hosted by Gowling, it featured BCCTC’s  VP Martin Buckle in conversation with Mairead Lavery, former President and CEO of EDC, who urged businesses and associations to weigh in on the debates around the 2026 CUSMA Review and advocate for the continuation of this free trade agreement that is so important to Canada.  Gowling’s Hunter Fox noted that the 2026 Review does not mean that the agreement will expire, but if the parties do not confirm acceptance of an extension for another six years, it will revert to an annual review which will create continued unpredictability that is damaging to  business confidence and  economic growth.

The Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade (MEDJCT) is launching a new free exporter information series which will cover key topics for Ontario businesses interested in establishing or expanding their global presence. Join select speakers and subject matter experts to learn how to translate global challenges into growth opportunities.

Currently announced webinars include:

Sept. 9: Free Trade Agreements & Tariffs (register here)

• The first webinar will focus on how exporters can leverage Canada’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and implement practical strategies to offset the impacts of tariffs.

Oct. 23: Nearshoring & Supply Chain Realignment (register here)

• The second webinar will explore how nearshoring and supply chain adaptation can help Ontario businesses navigate global trade uncertainty.

As part of the City of Toronto’s response to United States economic policy, this free webinar series will bring together industry experts to share insights and guidance on how businesses can expand and diversify their trade approach, enhancing long-term resilience. Registration is required, but attendance at all nine webinars is not – participants can register for the sessions most relevant to their business.

Webinar Schedule:

• Diversifying to Export Markets 101 – Sept 11 @ 2 p.m. or Sept 18 @ 10 a.m.
• Leveraging Government Support & Other Sources of Assistance for Exporters – Sept 24 @ 10 a.m. or Sept 30 @ 2 p.m.
• Understanding Rules of Origin & Duty Drawback Programs – Oct 2 @ 2 p.m.
• Financial Assistance for Importers and Exporters – Oct 8 @ 2 p.m.
• Strategic Pricing & Competitive Advantage in a Tariff Environment – Oct 16 @ 2 p.m.
• Digital Trade & E-commerce: Selling Online to International Customers – Oct 22 @ 2 p.m.
• Legal Considerations & Trade Compliance for Exporters – Oct 30 @ 2 p.m.
• Marketing Strategies in Diverse Export Markets – Nov 6 @ 2 p.m.
• Case Studies & Success Stories – Nov 13 @ 2 p.m.

Learn more and register here.

UPS hosted a webinar, “Navigate the New Norms: Essential insights on U.S. Trade and Tariff Changes for Cross-Border Shipping”, in August, outlining recent U.S. trade and tariff policy updates affecting cross-border shipping. These changes highlight the need for businesses to adapt their compliance and cost management strategies to stay competitive in the global marketplace.

Takeaways:  Businesses should think of compliance as a strategic lever, not just a cost center. It’s time to shift from a checklist to a chessboard, thinking several moves ahead.

End of de minimis: The U.S. has eliminated its “de minimis” exemption, which allowed goods valued under $800 USD to enter the U.S. duty free. U.S. consumers will now pay duties on every shipment, regardless of value. This change will significantly affect e-commerce businesses that depended on the exemption to ship orders at a lower cost.

Compliance costs rising: As U.S. Customs strengthens its enforcement efforts, Canadian exporters should maintain clear documentation of product origins. Failure to accurately declare this information may result in penalties for importers.

CUSMA still matters: While CUSMA provides duty-free access for many goods, only products that meet the rules of origin and have updated certificates will qualify.

Consider operational strategies: Businesses can mitigate potential costs and delays by consolidating shipments, using digital tools to streamline the compliance process, and providing transparent checkout pricing for customers with duties upfront.

For more details on tariff updates and how businesses can adjust, visit the UPS website.

Starting August 29, the U.S. suspended its duty-free “de minimis” threshold. All shipments entering the country, regardless of their value, must have duties prepaid before crossing the border. Most goods valued at $USD800 or less will be subject to duties of about 35%. For more information and to learn how Canada Post can support businesses in meeting these new requirements, click here.

OWIT at Trade Accelerator Program 10^th Anniversary

OWIT-UK President on King’s Honour List  

Congratulations to OWIT-UK President Noreen Burroughes who has been awarded the prestigious Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List, recognizing her contributions to women in international trade and entrepreneurship. Noreen has played a leading role in women's economic empowerment through her policy contributions, grassroots advocacy, and partnerships with UK and international networks. She is also the founder of strategic marketing and advisory firm Market Accents and holds numerous board roles. As the incoming President of OWIT International, Noreen looks forward to continuing to champion the role of women in business development and trade policy. Read more.

OWIT-Toronto Represented at Partner AGM  

Mégane Visette (OWIT VP-Partnerships) and Leyla Shahid ( OWIT VP-Membership) represented our chapter at the Annual General Meeting of one of OWIT-Toronto’s good partners, the Belgian Canadian Business Chamber (BCBC), at Dentons on July 10. The AGM was  followed by a reception and an honorary distinction ceremony in recognition of Anne Popoff, CEO of BCBC, for her outstanding leadership and service to the Belgian-Canadian business community. Congratulations from OWIT-Toronto, Anne. Well deserved!

l-r: Mégane Visette, Anne Popoff, Leyla Shahid