Canada Manufacturers & Exporters signs trade and partnership agreement with Make UK

OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 18, 2025 /CNW/ - Canada Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) has signed a new trade and partnership agreement with its counterpart, Make UK in a major boost to economic co-operation between companies in both countries.  

The agreement follows on from the joint statement by the Prime Ministers of both countries in June and is aimed at increasing future bilateral trade and economic co-operation in critical areas such as rare earth minerals, nuclear technology and artificial intelligence. There will also be a particular focus on defence and security collaboration, an area where both countries having strong defence industries.

At a practical level, as well as sharing information on science, technology and innovation the two organisations will focus on promoting trade, investment and commercial exchanges among member companies. The UK is Canada's third-largest trading partner. In 2024, Canada and the UK conducted $61.0 billion in total trade of goods and services, with exports to the UK valued at $27.0 billion and imports at $22.3 billion.

The agreement was signed at a ceremony in Ottawa by Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK and Dennis Darby, the CEO of CME. It was signed in the presence of the British High Commissioner to Canada, HE Rob Tinline and the Canadian Minister of International Trade, the Hon. Maninder Sidhu. 

Commenting, Stephen Phipson, said:
"This is a welcome agreement which reflects the longstanding and, historic, relations between the UK and Canada on trade and other areas of co-operation. Make UK and CME have developed a strong relationship over many years, supporting the efforts of UK and Canadian manufacturers to invest, create jobs and develop supply chain connectivity. Today's agreement will now look to make the most of this historic connection through this industry partnership to boost ties between manufacturers in both countries and support the ambition of both governments to increase investment and collaboration in vitally important technologies."

Dennis Darby added:
"Canada and the United Kingdom have an opportunity to build one of the world's most innovative and resilient industrial partnerships. Moving forward, we see real opportunities to deepen collaboration in advanced manufacturing, clean technology, and defence procurement. Canadian manufacturers are ready to lead alongside our UK partners, and we are eager for both governments to seize this moment for bold, forward-looking growth to support our sector." 

About Make UK

Make UK, The Manufacturers' Organisation, is the representative voice of UK manufacturing, with offices in London and Brussels.  

Collectively we represent 20,000 companies of all sizes, from start-ups to multinationals, across engineering, manufacturing, technology and the wider industrial sector. Everything we do – from providing essential business support and training to championing manufacturing industry in the UK and the EU – is designed to help British manufacturers compete, innovate and grow. From HR and employment law, health and safety to environmental and productivity improvement, our advice, expertise and influence enables businesses to remain safe, compliant and future-focused.  

About Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters 

From the first industrial boom in Canada, CME has advocated for and represented member interests. More than 150 years strong, CME has earned an extensive and effective track record of working for and with leading companies nationwide. More than 85 per cent of CME's members are SMEs and collectively account for an estimated 82 per cent of total manufacturing production and 90 per cent of Canada's exports.

SOURCE Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Julie Fortier, National Director, Communications, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, [phone], [email protected]