CME, Make UK sign new partnership to boost Canada–U.K. manufacturing ties

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) has signed a new trade and partnership agreement with its U.K. counterpart, Make UK, in a move aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and boosting opportunities for companies in both countries.

The agreement builds on a joint statement issued by the Canadian and British prime ministers in June and targets increased collaboration in areas such as rare earth minerals, nuclear technology, artificial intelligence and defence, sectors where both countries have significant industrial strength.

CME says the partnership will support greater information sharing on science, technology and innovation, while also promoting trade, investment and commercial exchanges among member companies. The U.K. is Canada’s third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade in goods and services totaling $61 billion in 2024.

The agreement was signed in Ottawa by Make UK CEO Stephen Phipson and CME CEO Dennis Darby, in the presence of British High Commissioner Rob Tinline and Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu.

“This is a welcome agreement which reflects the longstanding and, historic, relations between the U.K. and Canada on trade and other areas of co-operation,” Phipson said. “Make UK and CME have developed a strong relationship over many years, supporting the efforts of U.K. 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.”

Darby said the partnership positions both countries to advance shared industrial priorities.

“Canada and the United Kingdom have an opportunity to build one of the world’s most innovative and resilient industrial partnerships,” he said. “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 U.K. partners, and we are eager for both governments to seize this moment for bold, forward-looking growth to support our sector.”