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The twenty imports Canada is best placed to replace.

Canada imported USD 430bn of manufactured goods in 2024 and exported USD 266bn. These are the twenty that sit closest to what it already makes well, with how concentrated the supply of each is.

USD 22bnthe twenty, imported in 2024
461products imported at scale, not yet exported well, and close to existing strengths
941products Canada already exports well
17,008public purchases of goods joined to a product family, from Government of Canada, Proactive Publication of Contracts over $10,000
The twenty

Demand, capability, exposure. Nothing else is claimed.

Each line shows the import bill, where it comes from, the nearest thing Canada already exports well, and how many countries make it. It does not say whether a plant in Canada would pay. That reason is not in any trade record, and it is the maker's question.

This edition carries public buyers from Government of Canada, Proactive Publication of Contracts over $10,000, 64,465 award notices from 2025-11-02 to 2026-11-01, joined to each product's customs heading through a crosswalk we authored. The buyers are shown as context and do not change the score, because award values in these records include framework ceilings and outliers that would distort it. The regional layer (where the capability sits) is built only where a country publishes regional trade by product, and Canada does not publish it in a form this record can read yet.

  1. 1

    Food preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10HS 210690

    Comes fromUnited States 81%, 155 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFood preparations: bakers' wares n.e.c. in heading no. 1605, whether... (exports USD 4.2bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1.4bn; 1 more line in the heading, USD 189m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 2.0bn, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Canada's export strengths in the top 19 per cent (2); United States supplies 81 per cent (2).

    USD 2.0bnup 10% on 2022
  2. 2

    Washing and cleaning preparations: powders, flakes and granules, surface-active, whether or not containing soap...HS 340250

    Comes fromUnited States 93%, 78 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 327m; 6 more lines in the heading, USD 603m
    Public buyers in the family74 awards from 6 buyers. Most frequent: National Defence

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 1.1bn, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Canada's export strengths in the top 17 per cent (2); United States supplies 93 per cent (2).

    USD 1.1bnup 10% on 2022
  3. 3

    Insulated electric conductors: for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, not fitted with connectorsHS 854449

    Comes fromUnited States 72%, 92 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 352m; 7 more lines in the heading, USD 3.3bn
    Public buyers in the family475 awards from 21 buyers. Most frequent: National Defence

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 909m, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Canada's export strengths in the top 24 per cent (2); United States supplies 72 per cent (2).

    USD 909mdown 8% on 2022
  4. 4

    Tractors: n.e.c. in heading no 8701 (other than tractors of heading no 8709): of an engine power exceeding 130kWHS 870195

    Comes fromUnited States 71%, 17 source countries
    Nearest export strengthVehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston... (exports USD 1.6bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 226m; 7 more lines in the heading, USD 3.8bn
    Public buyers in the family25 awards from 6 buyers. Most frequent: Parks Canada

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 832m, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Canada's export strengths in the top 25 per cent (2); United States supplies 71 per cent (2).

    USD 832mup 38% on 2022
  5. 5

    Printed matter: books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter n.e.c. in item no. 4901.10 or 4901.91HS 490199

    Comes fromUnited States 72%, 160 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 298m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 827m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Canada's export strengths in the top 24 per cent (2); United States supplies 72 per cent (2).

    USD 827mdown 14% on 2022
  6. 6

    Machines and mechanical appliances: parts, of those having individual functionsHS 847990

    Comes fromUnited States 63%, 97 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMachinery, plant and laboratory equipment: parts of equipment for... (exports USD 304m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 500m; 4 more lines in the heading, USD 249m
    Public buyers in the family237 awards from 20 buyers. Most frequent: National Defence

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 691m, top 5 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Canada's export strengths in the top 22 per cent (2); United States supplies 63 per cent (2).

    USD 691mup 22% on 2022
  7. 7

    Plastics: boxes, cases, crates and similar articles for the conveyance or packing of goodsHS 392310

    Comes fromUnited States 70%, 91 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 292m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 155m
    Public buyers in the family319 awards from 19 buyers. Most frequent: National Defence

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 635m, top 5 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Canada's export strengths in the top 15 per cent (2); United States supplies 70 per cent (2).

    USD 635mup 0% on 2022
  8. 8

    Paper and paperboard: cartons, boxes and cases, of corrugated paper or paperboardHS 481910

    Comes fromUnited States 90%, 97 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPaper and paperboard: folding cartons, boxes and cases, of... (exports USD 498m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 225m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 80m
    Public buyers in the family122 awards from 16 buyers. Most frequent: National Defence

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 582m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Canada's export strengths in the top 17 per cent (2); United States supplies 90 per cent (2).

    USD 582mdown 1% on 2022
  9. 9

    Aluminium: casks, drums, cans, boxes and the like for any material (not compressed or liquefied gas), 300l capacity or...HS 761290

    Comes fromUnited States 95%, 54 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 35m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 13m
    Public buyers in the family122 awards from 16 buyers. Most frequent: National Defence

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 554m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Canada's export strengths in the top 16 per cent (2); United States supplies 95 per cent (2).

    USD 554mup 9% on 2022
  10. 10

    Non-alcoholic beverages: other than non-alcoholic beer, n.e.c. in item no. 2202.10, not including fruit, nut or...HS 220299

    Comes fromUnited States 85%, 92 source countries
    Nearest export strengthJuices: mixtures of fruits or vegetables (but not nut juice)... (exports USD 48m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 304m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 538m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 552m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Canada's export strengths in the top 17 per cent (2); United States supplies 85 per cent (2).

    USD 552mdown 10% on 2022
  11. 11

    Paints and varnishes: based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous mediumHS 320910

    Comes fromUnited States 96%, 45 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPaints and varnishes: based on polyesters, dispersed or dissolved in... (exports USD 83m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 68m
    Public buyers in the family40 awards from 5 buyers. Most frequent: National Defence

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 507m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Canada's export strengths in the top 16 per cent (2); United States supplies 96 per cent (2).

    USD 507mdown 1% on 2022
  12. 12

    Trailers, semi-trailers and other vehicles not mechanically propelled: parts thereof for heading no. 8716HS 871690

    Comes fromUnited States 66%, 68 source countries
    Nearest export strengthVehicle parts: silencers (mufflers) and exhaust pipes: parts thereof (exports USD 305m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 171m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 985m
    Public buyers in the family764 awards from 29 buyers. Most frequent: National Defence

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 445m, top 8 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Canada's export strengths in the top 24 per cent (2); United States supplies 66 per cent (2).

    USD 445mdown 22% on 2022
  13. 13

    Stoppers: caps and lids, of base metalHS 830990

    Comes fromUnited States 79%, 60 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAluminium: structures (excluding prefabricated buildings of heading... (exports USD 592m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 185m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 394m, top 8 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Canada's export strengths in the top 24 per cent (2); United States supplies 79 per cent (2).

    USD 394mdown 14% on 2022
  14. 14

    Meat preparations: of bovine animals, meat or meat offal, prepared or preserved (excluding livers and homogenised...HS 160250

    Comes fromUnited States 91%, 22 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMeat preparations: of the poultry of heading no. 0105, (i.e. of... (exports USD 484m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 64m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 227m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 231m, top 16 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Canada's export strengths in the top 8 per cent (3); United States supplies 91 per cent (2).

    USD 231mup 11% on 2022
  15. 15

    Vehicle parts and accessories: n.e.c. in heading no. 8708HS 870899

    Comes fromUnited States 68%, 149 source countries
    Nearest export strengthVehicles: parts and accessories, of bodies, other than safety seat... (exports USD 5.1bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 2.4bn; 8 more lines in the heading, USD 7.2bn
    Public buyers in the family199 awards from 11 buyers. Most frequent: National Defence

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 4.5bn, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Canada's export strengths in the top 27 per cent (1); United States supplies 68 per cent (2).

    USD 4.5bnup 29% on 2022
  16. 16

    Medical, surgical or dental instruments and appliances: n.e.c. in heading no. 9018HS 901890

    Comes fromUnited States 53%, 114 source countries
    Nearest export strengthInstruments and apparatus: for measuring or detecting ionising... (exports USD 111m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 700m; 9 more lines in the heading, USD 2.3bn
    Public buyers in the family204 awards from 16 buyers. Most frequent: Indigenous Services Canada

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 1.8bn, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Canada's export strengths in the top 23 per cent (2); United States supplies 53 per cent (1).

    USD 1.8bnup 11% on 2022
  17. 17

    Front-end shovel loadersHS 842951

    Comes fromUnited States 65%, 27 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMachinery parts: bulldozer or angledozer blades (exports USD 15m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 52m; 5 more lines in the heading, USD 2.2bn
    Public buyers in the family94 awards from 10 buyers. Most frequent: National Defence

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 1.4bn, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Canada's export strengths in the top 46 per cent (1); United States supplies 65 per cent (2).

    USD 1.4bndown 0% on 2022
  18. 18

    Ethyl alcohol and other spirits: denatured, of any strengthHS 220720

    Comes fromUnited States 100%, 21 source countries
    Nearest export strengthBran, sharps and other residues: of leguminous plants, whether or... (exports USD 12m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 69m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 1.4bn, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Canada's export strengths in the top 31 per cent (1); United States supplies 100 per cent (2).

    USD 1.4bndown 1% on 2022
  19. 19

    Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: ammonium dihydrogenorthophosphate (monoammonium phosphate) and mixtures thereof with...HS 310540

    Comes fromUnited States 73%, 15 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 11m; 4 more lines in the heading, USD 439m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 1.2bn, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Canada's export strengths in the top 26 per cent (1); United States supplies 73 per cent (2).

    USD 1.2bndown 6% on 2022
  20. 20

    Iron or steel: articles n.e.c. in heading 7326HS 732690

    Comes fromUnited States 56%, 137 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 953m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 53m
    Public buyers in the family7 awards from 2 buyers. Most frequent: Fisheries and Oceans Canada

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 1.2bn, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Canada's export strengths in the top 22 per cent (2); United States supplies 56 per cent (1).

    USD 1.2bndown 1% on 2022

The bill and its path, the sources and their unit values, who exports the line well, the nearest strengths, the public buyers where a country publishes them, and the method. We reply by email. Privacy

One line per customs heading. Products Canada already exports well and still imports are below, because they are a different conversation. No employment figures appear on this page, by decision.

Made here already, still imported

Scale conversations, not capability ones.

  • Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine, for... imports USD 9.3bn, exports USD 3.1bn, top source United States 81%
  • Engines: reciprocating piston engines, of a kind used for the propulsion of... imports USD 4.2bn, exports USD 2.2bn, top source United States 92%
  • Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston... imports USD 6.5bn, exports USD 4.9bn, top source United States 74%
  • Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston... imports USD 15bn, exports USD 14bn, top source United States 36%
  • Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine... imports USD 2.5bn, exports USD 1.6bn, top source United States 72%
  • Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine... imports USD 1.6bn, exports USD 872m, top source United States 76%
  • Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine, for... imports USD 759m, exports USD 146m, top source United States 94%
  • Dog or cat food: put up for retail sale, used in animal feeding imports USD 1.3bn, exports USD 762m, top source United States 90%
  • Turbines: parts of turbo-jets and turbo-propellers imports USD 3.2bn, exports USD 2.7bn, top source United States 48%
  • Vehicles: break-down lorries, road-sweepers, spraying lorries, mobile... imports USD 1.0bn, exports USD 495m, top source United States 84%
How the twenty were chosen

Three scores, each from a field the record carries.

Import bill, 0 to 3, by percentile among the 2360 lines imported at USD 10m or more: above the median one point, top quarter two, top tenth three.

Proximity to export strengths, 0 to 3, on the same percentiles: the product-space method (Hidalgo, Klinger, Barabasi and Hausmann, Science 2007) on CEPII's BACI file of every bilateral trade flow for 2024, 157 countries and 5,388 products. Two products are close when the countries that export one well tend to export the other well. Only products in the upper half for proximity can enter the list at all: best placed is a proximity claim.

Supply concentration, 0 to 2: one point when a single country supplies 40 per cent or more, two at 60 per cent.

Public buyers, context only, never scored: 64,465 award notices from Government of Canada, Proactive Publication of Contracts over $10,000, 2025-11-02 to 2026-11-01, of which 18,724 were classified by the buyer as goods and 17,008 joined to a product family through a crosswalk we authored, because no official one exists. Only notices whose code names a specific product group are joined; broad division codes are left out. The join is a family, not an exact line, and the counts are a floor.

Scope. Manufactured goods, customs chapters 16 to 96, excluding ores, fuels and precious metals. Primary agriculture is out of scope for a page about manufacture.

What it cannot tell you

A map of where to look.

Trade data says what crossed the border, not why. Cost, scale, patents, tariffs and the plain fact that a supplier is good at it are all invisible here. The world file reconciles what each pair of countries reports, so a national customs file would differ in detail. Nothing on this page is a forecast or a promise.

Source: CEPII BACI, HS22, version 202601, years 2022 to 2024. Edition of 2026-11-03. The UK edition with its procurement and regional layers is at /made-here/.

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