Canada says Philippines and ASEAN trade talks are more than 90% complete

Reuters reported at 06:05 UTC on September 22 that International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu, speaking in Manila during meetings of Southeast Asian economic ministers, said Canada's two separate free-trade negotiations with the Philippines and ASEAN are each more than 90% complete. Ottawa wants both ready before Prime Minister Mark Carney visits Manila in November.

Sidhu presented the talks as part of Canada's strategy to diversify economic ties and strengthen supply chains. He said the Southeast Asia push was not directed at one country and was not primarily driven by changes in U.S. trade policy. That is a ministerial policy statement, not evidence that either pact has completed legal review or been signed.

Energy is Canada's main offering to the region. Sidhu said more than five Canadian Pacific-coast LNG projects are in various stages of development for Asian markets. Canada has also committed support for the Luzon Economic Corridor and sees investment opportunities in energy, data centres and related infrastructure in the Philippines.

The minister did not estimate how much investment a Philippines agreement could produce. The final texts, tariff schedules, rules of origin, services access, domestic approval procedures and effective dates were not released, so N Globe does not describe 'more than 90% complete' as a concluded agreement.

Verification status: confirmed for the minister's statement and negotiating target; final terms, signature and entry into force remain pending. News value: A; originRegion: Canada; primary section: Economy; relatedRegions: Asia and worldwide; source time: September 22, 2026, 06:05 UTC; report date: September 22, 2026.