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Strategic Priorities
1. Diversify Markets to Reduce Vulnerability
Expanding Manitoba's market access and export opportunities lessens exposure to trade disruptions, particularly those arising from evolving U.S. tariff and trade policies. Raising Manitoba's profile in global markets opens new export pathways, especially benefiting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that gain from trade facilitation activities like trade shows and missions. A stronger presence in emerging and established markets creates broader opportunities for Manitoba businesses and will help ensure Manitoba's economy is stable, competitive and resilient in the face of uncertainty.
2. Promote Inclusive Trade and Participation
Encouraging broader participation in trade strengthens supply chains, drives sustainable growth and enhances Manitoba's global standing. Inclusive trade policies support social equity and empower underrepresented groups, including Indigenous-led businesses, thereby fostering new perspectives and ensuring equitable access to opportunities across the province.
3. Enhance Supply Chain Efficiency
Market diversification enables Manitoba companies to find new suppliers across regions, resulting in more adaptable and reliable supply chains. Improved interprovincial and domestic trade also delivers cost savings, reduces tariff and currency risks, and supports predictable movement of goods within Canada.
4. Drive Innovation and Competitiveness
Access to a variety of markets encourages businesses to innovate and adopt advanced technologies to meet diverse needs. This focus on innovation boosts productivity and overall competitiveness, which are critical for Manitoba's long-term economic success.
5. Strengthen Economic Sovereignty and Security
Reducing reliance on traditional trade partners gives Manitoba greater economic control and resilience, thereby strengthening the province's ability to withstand disruptions caused by U.S. trade and tariff policies This approach aligns with national priorities, such as the One Canadian Economy initiative, by advancing internal trade, supporting labour mobility, and reinforcing security in critical sectors including manufacturing, energy, critical minerals, food production, and technology.
Manitoba's Key Sectors
Manitoba's exports are built on a diverse mix of strengths, agriculture and agri-food, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defence and security, bioscience, creative industries, finance and insurance, and Information and Communications Technology. Together, these sectors drive growth, support good jobs and strengthen Manitoba's place in global supply chains.
For more in-depth information about Manitoba's key sectors visit: Manitoba Export Navigator Portal
Manitoba exports more than $9B in agri-food each year, supplying key markets including the United States, China, Japan and Mexico. Top exports include canola products, wheat, oats and grain products, pork, soybeans and pulses, and potato products. Manitoba is home to many of Canada's leading international agribusiness companies including HyLife, Sunrise Farms, J.R. Simplot, McCain Foods, Canada Packers, Maple Leaf Foods, Bunge Canada, Richardson Milling, Roquette, Lactalis, Diageo, Saputo, and Vermillion Growers Ltd.
Manitoba has a strong aerospace cluster supported by industry, research and post-secondary training, with ready access to global markets. The province's aerospace sector is the third largest in Canada and includes major firms such as StandardAero, Boeing Canada and Magellan Aerospace. Manitoba's ADS sector also includes many innovative SMEs that are an important part of the supply chain. Aerospace products and parts exports grew from $296M in 2024 to $426M in 2025.
Manitoba is home to the Port of Churchill, North America's only deepwater seaport with rail access, and an Indigenous-owned asset supporting trade and economic development. This strategic asset strengthens Manitoba's capabilities in Arctic sovereignty, under-ice operations support, remote sustainment and logistics resilience.
Manitoba's mining sector offers significant opportunities across both fertilizer and critical mineral production. Manitoba is home to 30 of 34 minerals on Canada's 2024 critical mineral list, including lithium, graphite, copper and silica. With active operations for copper and nickel, and significant lithium exploration in process, the province holds numerous mining opportunities. Manitoba is also home to PADCOM (Potash and Agri Development Corporation of Manitoba), which supports high-demand potash production. Ongoing federal and provincial investments in the Port of Churchill are expected to enhance Manitoba's capacity to serve as a global gateway for critical minerals. In addition, Arctic Gateway Group (Port of Churchill) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International, creating significant opportunities for critical mineral exports.
Manitoba's biosciences sector spans health, agricultural biotech and clean tech, backed by strong research and commercialization capacity. Manitoba is Canada's third largest exporter of pharmaceutical and medicinal products; exports totalled $1B in 2025. Key assets include world-class labs and institutes, including the Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health (Canada's only Level 4 bio-containment lab). Manitoba is home to several major manufacturing facilities operated by companies such as 3M Canada, Bausch Health, and Pfizer. Growth opportunities include medical technology, pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, medical counter measures and expanded clinical trials capacity.
Manufacturing is Manitoba's largest industrial sector and accounts for about two-thirds of exports. In 2025, manufacturing exports exceeded $12B, supported by a variety of companies including Behlen Industries LP, Chemtrade Logistics, Decor Cabinets, and Price Industries. Manitoba firms compete globally in heavy-duty vehicles and equipment, agricultural machinery, and other machinery, supported by in-house engineering and ongoing technology investment. The Vehicle Technology Centre in Manitoba represents Manitoba's heavy equipment and vehicle manufacturing cluster, including leading companies like NFI Group, MacDon, Buhler, Fort Garry Fire Trucks, and Triple E RV. Manitoba is also strengthening domestic supply chains and clean transportation by growing zero-emission vehicle capability.
Manitoba's creative industries are internationally recognized, with strength in digital media, animation and visual effects, music, interactive games, virtual and augmented reality, and screen production. The province offers a skilled, multilingual workforce and competitive tax credits for interactive digital media and film and video production. Leading companies in this sector include Frantic Films, Farpoint Films, Eagle Vision, Buffalo Gal Pictures, Wookey Films, Bonus Production Services, Complex Games, and Paquin Entertainment Group.
Manitoba is a national hub for finance and insurance, including headquarters for Canada's largest independent mutual fund company, largest equipment financing company, and one of the world's largest financial services holding companies. Great-West Lifeco Inc. operates in Canada, the U.S. and Europe, with about $3.3T in total client assets under administration. Wawanesa Insurance is also a Winnipeg-headquartered major mutual company. The sector is supported by regional insurers and wealth managers, all major Canadian chartered banks, 15 credit unions, and federal financial intermediaries.
Manitoba's ICT sector is anchored by small and mid-sized firms with expertise in systems design, health informatics, e-learning, data management, financial software, cybersecurity, wired and wireless communications, and cloud, mobile and web applications. Notable companies include SkipTheDishes, Imaginet, IDFusion Software, Online Business Systems, RFNOW Inc., and Valley Fiber.
