Canada–India bilateral trade and behind the border measures

Against the backdrop of the Canada–India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), we investigate whether the two countries have achieved optimal export potential under the existing trade environment. The paper, based on data from International Trade Centre and World Integrated Trade Solutions for the period 2004–2025, finds substantial untapped export potential in both countries, though the underlying reasons vary. Canada’s exports face significant tariffs and Non Tariff Measures (NTMs) in India. In contrast, India’s exports to Canada face fewer market access conditions compared to their other major destinations. The study also identifies the dualistic nature of NTMs: while numerous NTMs exist for India’s export to Canada, they often are found to be trade-facilitating rather than -restricting. The study’s key contribution lies in illustrating the heterogeneous effects of granular NTMs. We conclude that even when tariffs are low, behind-the-border dissipative barriers can impose disproportionately high transaction costs. Thus, addressing NTMs by product and regulatory intent would be more pragmatic and beneficial.