As India and Canada move forward with plans for a free trade agreement, a business in Windsor, Ont., is also looking to expand, aiming to reduce the uncertainty caused by U. S. tariffs.
“The Indian market is huge,” said David Bareich, president of G. Bareich Import-Export Inc. (GBIE). “They are dramatically increasing their automotive production. They’re very ambitious, and it’s a growth market for us for sure… we absolutely want to be there. We need to be there.”
GBIE produces coatings for the automotive rubber sector. These coatings are applied to door seals, sunroof seals, and window seals, enhancing the rubber’s resistance to wear and tear while “eliminating squeaks and rattles” from vehicles.
Bareich holds a white bottle with his company’s product: a coating that goes on car door, sunroof and window rubber seals. (Pratyush Dayal/CBC)
Bareich noted that global uncertainties stemming from U. S. tariffs and the conflict in Iran have led many American clients to hesitate in making decisions.
“Uncertainty impacts us. Indecision and lack of decision-making at potential customers, especially in America as they’re waiting to see how the global trade situation, specifically between Canada and the States, works itself out.”
His company’s focus on expanding trade with India marks a shift away from concentrating solely on American and Chinese markets.
“We’d like a lot more sales in India,” so GBIE is pursuing that goal “aggressively,” said Bareich.
The wheels are also turning at the federal level.
Highlighted the important contribution of the Indo-Canadian community in bringing our two nations closer through stronger business engagement and… pic. twitter. com/NO0y7MZ7RZ -Piyush Goyal In 2025, two-way merchandise trade between Canada and India reached $13.6 billion. Canadian exports totaled $3.9 billion – mainly vegetables, mineral fuels and oils, as well as wood pulp – while imports from India amounted to $9.7 billion predominantly consisting of precious stones and metals, machinery, and pharmaceutical products. Bareich shared that he recently visited India where he met several new clients including Mahindra, an Indian automobile manufacturing giant. A free trade agreement between Canada and India would benefit businesses like his by eliminating India’s 10 percent import duty while reducing logistical costs significantly-potentially saving hundreds of thousands of dollars. “If Canada was able to negotiate a drop in the duty, we would be at a significant advantage compared to our global competitors,” he said. “So getting a trade deal with Canada would allow the Indian market to benefit from products like ours.”![]()
During his visit to India, Bareich says he met with several new clients including Mahindra which is interested in having products packaged at their Windsor facility. (Pratyush Dayal/CBC)
Bareich believes other businesses should follow suit too. He remains optimistic about Canada’s chances of securing better access for goods into India’s market.
“We [GBIE] are an ideal example showing why Canada should diversify its markets. If we only sold within Canada , we’d finish an entire year’s production in probably just three days.”
‘New emerging world order’
Canada has been negotiating trade deals with India since 2010 but these talks came to an abrupt halt in 2023 after accusations against India regarding involvement in the assassination of a Sikh activist in Surrey , B. C.
Prime Minister Mark Carney traveled through Mumbai along with New Delhi this past March. Goyal remarked that Carney’s visit “completely changed how both countries viewed each other.”
Vina Nadjibulla from Asia Pacific Foundation remarked this moment could be crucial for both nations.
“India is vital for Canada’s diversification strategy,” Nadjibulla explained. “We’re looking toward decreasing our reliance on U. S., considering how rapidly India’s economy is growing; it possesses an expanding middle class. Its economic landscape aligns well alongside Canada’s strengths.”
“It needs energy , food , technology , investment – all areas where Canadian offerings can shine. So there’s definitely interest from Canada’s side towards fostering deeper commercial relations with India.”
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Diversification key for Canada
This week, India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal visited Canada with their largest-ever trade delegation for discussions on trade and investment. Goyal has expressed both countries’ desire to finalize a free trade agreement by 2026. As Canada seeks to broaden its trading partners, Goyal mentioned that both nations aim to increase trade threefold to $70 billion by 2030. Canadian Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu and Goyal issued a joint statement on Friday morning affirming their intention to wrap up negotiations by year-end. “The ministers also emphasized the importance of enhancing connectivity between India and Canada – including people‑to‑people ties, business mobility and direct commercial linkages as essential enablers of expanded trade and investment,” the statement said. Sidhu confirmed that Canada will lead a trade mission to India later this year. The ministers stated they’re committed to maintaining ongoing dialogue. Wrapped up a highly productive visit to Canada with an engaging interaction with members of the Canada-India Foundation.Highlighted the important contribution of the Indo-Canadian community in bringing our two nations closer through stronger business engagement and… pic. twitter. com/NO0y7MZ7RZ -Piyush Goyal In 2025, two-way merchandise trade between Canada and India reached $13.6 billion. Canadian exports totaled $3.9 billion – mainly vegetables, mineral fuels and oils, as well as wood pulp – while imports from India amounted to $9.7 billion predominantly consisting of precious stones and metals, machinery, and pharmaceutical products. Bareich shared that he recently visited India where he met several new clients including Mahindra, an Indian automobile manufacturing giant. A free trade agreement between Canada and India would benefit businesses like his by eliminating India’s 10 percent import duty while reducing logistical costs significantly-potentially saving hundreds of thousands of dollars. “If Canada was able to negotiate a drop in the duty, we would be at a significant advantage compared to our global competitors,” he said. “So getting a trade deal with Canada would allow the Indian market to benefit from products like ours.”
‘New emerging world order’
Canada has been negotiating trade deals with India since 2010 but these talks came to an abrupt halt in 2023 after accusations against India regarding involvement in the assassination of a Sikh activist in Surrey , B. C.
Prime Minister Mark Carney traveled through Mumbai along with New Delhi this past March. Goyal remarked that Carney’s visit “completely changed how both countries viewed each other.”
Vina Nadjibulla from Asia Pacific Foundation remarked this moment could be crucial for both nations.
“India is vital for Canada’s diversification strategy,” Nadjibulla explained. “We’re looking toward decreasing our reliance on U. S., considering how rapidly India’s economy is growing; it possesses an expanding middle class. Its economic landscape aligns well alongside Canada’s strengths.”
“It needs energy , food , technology , investment – all areas where Canadian offerings can shine. So there’s definitely interest from Canada’s side towards fostering deeper commercial relations with India.”![]()
Vina Nadjibulla , vice-president , research & strategy at Asia Pacific Foundation states how important partnering up matters when it comes down cooperating closely together moving forward. (Andrew Lee/CBC)
Similarly speaking too : From India’s viewpoint additionally emphasizes seeking fruitful partnerships via collaborations emphasizing future plans encouraging further transactions regarding mutual prosperity benefits each party mutually enjoys afterward rather than solely focusing inwardly thinking about their own welfare alone instead working collaboratively aiding one another instead understanding different cultures appropriately appreciating one another fully resulting ultimately establishing friendships binding together closely connecting networks bridging gaps building trust fostering strong bonds creating lasting connections uniting both sides paving pathways towards brighter futures ahead promoting collective growth advancing prosperity benefiting everyone involved all around !
While it’s an ambitious timeline aimed towards achieving something great overall bringing predictability into respective markets expected outcomes determining future success rates sooner rather than later meaning quicker solutions achieved ultimately aligning objectives responding adequately addressing challenges presented effectively tackling them head-on evolving constantly adapting existing frameworks accordingly nurturing relationships strengthening collaboration developing partnerships focused clearly delivering results efficiently optimizing synergies maximizing outputs achieving desired goals successfully meeting expectations rising above competition staying ahead curve redefining standards continuously improving processes innovatively progressing forward dynamically shaping environments harnessing potentials emerging realities faced transforming ideas visions translate tangible outcomes realized across borders harmonizing operations internationally creating harmonious balance stability ensuring sustainability driving progress consistently thriving competitively remaining relevant alive vibrant responsive agile current trending circumstances prevailing tides shifting dynamics encountered navigating complexities intricacies involving multifaceted dimensions interplay requiring adaptability versatility accommodating various needs arising ultimately aligning priorities forging alliances facilitating exchanges cultivating understanding enabling cooperation synergies emerge flourishing amidst uncertainties navigating future paths together prepared equipped confidently embracing opportunities seizing moments grasping chances exploring possibilities unfolding potentials ready pursue endeavors undertaking ventures striving excellence conquering heights elevating aspirations driven passion commitment dedication contributing positively efforts placed stakeholders engaged involved seeking advancement upward trajectory envisioned proactively chasing dreams reaching aspirations ambitions fulfilled momentum generated enthusiasm spread contagious inspiring others ignite flames passions lives changing transformative journeys embarked upon long-lasting impacts left behind all parties regard ethical responsibilities guiding principles foundation built trust transparency integrity fostering environment conducive mutual respect acknowledging contributions made nurturing talents skills groomed cultivated supporting healthy climates where individuals flourish achieve greatness unlocking keys success fueling engines change motivating journey ahead!”
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