MONCTON (GNB) – The government has launched Local roots, global reach: New Brunswick’s Market Diversification Strategy to help businesses reach new customers, expand trade across Canada and internationally, and build stronger trade relationships.
The strategy advances the government’s broader economic development strategy, Building a Competitive and Resilient New Brunswick, aiming to help businesses strengthen their presence in Canadian markets while pursuing opportunities in international markets, including Asia and Europe. It will support opportunities across the provincial economy, including those in manufacturing, food and seafood products, defence, and information and communications technology.
“New Brunswick has what the world wants. We can’t rely on one market, but we can support our businesses to seize new opportunities and build strong relationships with trading partners,” said Premier Susan Holt. “This plan is about creating more partnerships for our businesses to grow, delivering good-paying jobs here in New Brunswick and making sure New Brunswickers benefit from new economic opportunities.”
By 2030, the plan aims to increase the value of New Brunswick’s merchandise exports in key sectors to markets outside the United States by 15.9 per cent, to $1.32 billion compared to the 2025 figure of $1.14 billion, while achieving an overall annual three per cent increase in the number of companies exporting to Europe and Asia. It also targets a 61 per cent increase in interprovincial exports, from $13.7 billion in 2024 to $22.1 billion by 2029.
“We want to help New Brunswick businesses take the next step, whether that means finding their first international customer or expanding into a new market,” said Luke Randall, minister responsible for Opportunities NB. “By connecting companies with market intelligence, trade opportunities and the right partners, we can help turn their ambitions into measurable growth, investment and jobs here at home.”
The initiative aims to help businesses access new customers, strengthen their competitiveness, expand trade and create opportunities for economic growth and job creation by using a co-ordinated, government-wide approach.
“New Brunswick’s agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries sectors are built on high-quality products, strong expertise and a reputation for excellence,” said Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Pat Finnigan. “Reaching new markets will help our producers, harvesters and processors broaden their customer base, create new revenue opportunities and strengthen the long-term sustainability of these important industries.”
Supporting businesses with market diversification is intended to reduce reliance on any single market and increase resilience to changing economic conditions. These efforts support the economic development strategy’s goal of growing New Brunswick’s economy by 10 per cent.
“Diversifying trade is about more than finding new customers; it’s about helping manufacturers manage uncertainty, strengthen supply chains and remain competitive as global markets evolve,” said Ron Marcolin, divisional vice-president of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters. “A co-ordinated approach between government and industry can give New Brunswick exporters the connections and confidence they need to pursue new opportunities and grow their businesses.”
Opportunities NB is the lead business development agency for New Brunswick. It supports local businesses and attracts new investment from around the globe to boost economic and job growth.
Media Contact(s)
Mackenzie Pond, press secretary, Office of the Premier, mackenzie.a.pond@gnb.ca.
Jason Hoyt, communications, Opportunities NB, jason.hoyt@gnb.ca.
Nick Brown, communications, Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, nick.brown@gnb.ca.
