The position and length of Canadian supply chains

In order to analyze the vulnerability and risks of a supply chain disruption to Canada, it is important to understand where Canada and Canadian firms fit into GVCs. On the one hand, if Canada’s production mainly happens at the beginning—or upstream—of a GVC, the primary concern would be a negative demand shock to Canadian industries. On the other, if Canadian production happens at the end—or downstream—of a GVC, the primary concern would be a supply shock to key inputs. If Canada’s production is in the middle of a GVC, both supply and demand shocks are concerns. This paper will attempt to answer where Canada fits into the global production process by assessing the upstreamness and downstreamness of Canadian production and trade.

Publisher

Global Affairs Canada

Resources

2

Catalogue metadata updated

2025-11-24