ANALYSIS: Canada eyes Europe and Asia to diversify trade links, says Gateway Forum keynote speaker Duncan Wood

PHARR, Texas — Rather than simply reacting to trade policy disruptions coming out of Washington, Canada is leveraging current economic shifts to forge deeper, long-term strategic alliances across Europe and Asia, according to international trade expert Duncan Wood.

Wood, a fellow at the Wilson Center and CEO of Hurst International Consulting, outlined Canada's evolving geopolitical strategy in a recent opinion piece published by The Hill. His analysis comes as the City of Pharr prepares to host Wood as the featured keynote speaker at its upcoming Gateway Forum, where cross-border infrastructure, international supply chains, and North American trade integration will take center stage.

In his piece, titled “Carpe diem, Canada: Ottawa’s new global ties can also benefit the US,” Wood highlights how Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is steering Ottawa toward a strategy focused on expanding trade options rather than attempting to replace the United States as its primary economic partner.

"The strategic question for Canada is not how to substitute one market for another," Wood wrote. "It is whether Canada can use this moment to position itself at the intersection of three of the most important economic regions on earth."

Key elements of Canada’s strategy identified by Wood include:

• European Strategic Partnerships: Ottawa and Brussels have established partnerships covering energy, critical minerals, digital infrastructure, and defense. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently floated the possibility of Canada becoming the European Union's first "associate member."
• Indo-Pacific Expansion: Canada is leveraging its membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and finalizing a trade deal with ASEAN, while expanding bilateral ties with Japan and South Korea in semiconductors, batteries, and LNG.
• Infrastructure Investment: Expanded port capacity and energy infrastructure in British Columbia are transforming Western Canada into a primary gateway to Pacific markets.

Wood emphasizes that Canada’s relationship with the U.S. becomes more valuable—not less—as Ottawa strengthens its ties elsewhere. By remaining deeply integrated within the North American economy while expanding its footprint in Europe and Asia, Canada aims to position itself as a central connecting hub for global trade, energy, and technology.

Wood will bring these insights on trade corridors, supply chain resilience, and global market integration to South Texas when he addresses regional economic development leaders, cross-border logistics executives, and municipal officials at the City of Pharr's Gateway Forum.

Editor’s Note: Click here to read Duncan Wood’s analysis in The Hill.