The trading relationship between Ireland and Canada has increased due to tensions between Ottawa and Washington, according to an Ontario minister.
Todd McCarthy MPP, Minister of the Environment for Ontario, told RTÉ News that while trade between the two nations has grown over the last decade, US tariffs have given it a boost.
“It has definitely escalated,” he said.
His comments come as RTÉ News understands that Ireland is on track to approve a major EU-Canada trade deal next week, known as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Ireland.
Trade between Ireland and Canada is governed by CETA but Ireland has not ratified it due to a series of delays.
CETA has been provisionally implemented by Ireland since 2017 and since then trade with Canada has grown by 98%.
The Ontario ban on US alcohol has been an opportunity for Irish whiskey
One sector that has seen a noticeable change is Irish whiskey, which continues to face the standard 15% tariff that applies to EU goods entering the US.
However Eoin Ó Catháin, director of the Irish Whiskey Association, said there has been “huge growth” year on year in Canada.
“Our export value to Canada has improved. We sell over 420,000 cases. That’s a huge jump, even when you compare it to two years ago,” he said.
“We’re seeing the direct impact of that instability in the global trading environment. And again, I suppose a greater appreciation for those trading partners who are a bit more certain on whom each country can rely.”
A growth factor is an American alcohol ban in the Canadian province of Ontario, one of the biggest buyers of alcohol in the world.
More than 3,600 US made alcohol products were pulled from shelves and taken off the menus at bars and restaurants in a retaliatory move made by Ontario Premier Doug Ford against President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
The US’s loss has been Ireland’s gain.
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“It’s not even top of mind for people anymore. They’ve changed their habits to something else that is similar and I think we’ve moved on honestly,” said Kristen Bradley from the Heart and Crown, an Irish pub in Ottawa.
“It gave us an opportunity to highlight different products so whether it be a Canadian spotlight or an Irish spotlight, of course, for an Irish pub.
“It took people out of their comfort zone from ordering the thing that they know and trying something different because they have to,” she added.
Canada is trying to diversify its investment and trading relationships as the turbulent times with the US continue.
Canadians are willing to try new tastes, says Kristen Bradley from the Heart and Crown in Ottawa
Part of that strategy is deepening links with Europe, one of the reasons why Prime Minister Carney is visiting Ireland this week.
As well as taking the opportunity to celebrate his Irish heritage, Canadian MP James Maloney said it is about business too.
According to the Canadian government, bilateral merchant trade between Canada and Ireland totalled $6bn in 2025, with Canadian exports to Ireland valued at $1.1bn and imports at $4.9bn.
An economic report published last year said Irish-Canada trade could grow by a further half a billion dollars a year.
“It’s important because the relationship has great historical significance, but it’s probably never been more important than it is right now,” said Mr Maloney.
The chair of the Canada-Ireland Parliamentary Group also said the trading numbers have gone up, and there is “still so much opportunity”.
Ireland is an English-speaking gateway to Europe, says James Maloney
He said that with “everything that’s going on in the world”, Ireland represents the English-speaking gateway to Europe for Canada.
Irish companies have been navigating changing trade policies in North America, meaning it is now more expensive to do business across the Atlantic.
Combilift, the largest manufacturer of multi-directional side loading and articulated forklifts globally, has been one of the companies hit by US tariffs.
However, it has been bolstered by a government effort to supercharge home building.
Companies like Combilift are expanding rapidly in Canada
“Combilift have had a presence here in the market for many years. We’ve continued to grow year on year. And this year it’s been no different,” said Gearóid O’Hare from Combilift in Toronto.
“Our sales are actually up 40%, which is quite remarkable considering the global economy and the challenges that we’re facing here as a result of what’s going on south of the border,” he said.
Mr McCarthy said that one of the “great things” that has come from the US-imposed trade and tariff war is that Canada has looked to strengthen partnerships elsewhere, including its relationship with Ireland.
“It’s going to be permanent. Ireland is going to continue to be and will be even more of an enhanced trading partner and ally because of this,” he said.
“Even when we make amends with the US, when that time comes in a few short years, we will still continue to look to and have a strong friendship and relationship with Ireland,” Mr McCarthy added.