Thank you, Ms. Pohlmann.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business, or CFIB for short, is an independent and non-partisan non-profit organization representing 110,000 small and medium-size independent businesses across the country in every sector of the economy.
Our last survey on international trade dates back to 2017. We received 4,400 responses, and we used the data to publish a report containing many of our members' comments as well as real-life examples of issues they face when they engage in international trade. We have a few copies of the report with us, so if anyone would like a copy, I can provide you with one after the presentation. We can also send it to you by email.
It's important to note that more than 90% of Canadian exporters are considered small businesses. What's more, 31% of survey respondents said they had some experience with exporting, and 71% reported having experience with importing. Some engage in international trade only occasionally, whereas for others, it's a regular, if not daily, practice. What matters, however, is that they be able to trade with others as smoothly and as swiftly as possible, regardless of how often.
In addition, 63% of respondents import products or services from the United States, while 28% export to the U.S. Clearly, the figures aren't as high when it comes to trade with Mexico, but the country remains a major trading partner for Canadian businesses, and that trade is growing. These figures show just how important our trading relationship with the U.S. is, while highlighting the need for clear rules and a predictable trading environment to make it easier to trade with our partners.
We asked our membership what motivated them to engage in more international trade. It may be greater demand for a product or service, a desire to grow their business or a business opportunity. More than a third of members indicated that good trade deals influenced their plans to export products or services.
In 2018, we asked our members whether a new agreement between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico should include provisions specific to small and medium-size businesses, so we are pleased to see an entire chapter devoted to them in the new agreement, recognizing their important role in the economy. As one of our top recommendations in connection with the negotiations, this is a positive step forward, one we hope will make it easier for small and medium-size businesses to engage in more international trade.
I will now turn the floor over to my colleague, Ms. Pohlmann.