Canada and Germany strengthen industrial partnership to build resilient semiconductor supply chains

Deepened cooperation will support resilient supply chains and the technologies that power innovation, economic growth and artificial intelligence

June 30, 2026 – Montréal, Quebec 

Semiconductors are the foundation of modern digital infrastructure and are essential to the technologies that drive innovation, productivity and economic growth. As demand for advanced computing, artificial intelligence (AI) and connected technologies continues to

grow, resilient and diversified semiconductor supply chains are increasingly important to supporting economic and national security.

Yesterday, on the margins of the IEA Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency, Carlos Leitão, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, and Stefan Rouenhoff, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy of Germany, signed a joint declaration of intent to strengthen dialogue and cooperation on shared priorities in the semiconductor sector. The joint declaration builds on Canada’s strong partnership with Germany, including the landmark joint declaration signed by Minister Joly in February 2026 to advance collaboration on auto and battery manufacturing and critical minerals.

Through the joint declaration signed today, Canada and Germany will establish a framework for policy dialogue on semiconductor-related priorities and for enhanced cooperation on investment, industrial development, technology and research, reflecting their shared commitment to a stronger, more resilient and innovative semiconductor ecosystem. Building on their world-class semiconductor expertise, the two countries will deepen collaboration in this strategic sector to advance innovation and strengthen competitiveness. The partnership will also support the growth of start-ups, scale-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises.

This collaboration supports Canada’s broader efforts to foster innovation and strengthen the technological foundations needed to power the digital economy. Semiconductors are a critical enabler of AI and other emerging technologies, and the joint declaration aligns with the objectives of Canada’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy: AI for All to build the infrastructure, international partnerships and capacity necessary for long-term economic growth and competitiveness.

As countries around the world compete to develop and secure the technologies that will shape the future, trusted international partnerships are becoming increasingly important. By strengthening collaboration in the semiconductor sector, Canada and Germany are reinforcing a shared commitment to innovation, economic resilience and long-term prosperity, while helping build the foundations for the next generation of digital and AI-enabled technologies.

Quotes

“Semiconductors are a critical technology for Canada’s economic security, resilience and growth. Through this joint declaration of intent, Canada and Germany are reinforcing a strong partnership and deepening industrial cooperation in a sector that is essential to our shared prosperity. Together, we will build more resilient supply chains, advance emerging technologies and create new opportunities for businesses and workers in both countries.”
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

“Canada and Germany share a commitment to building a strong, innovative and resilient semiconductor ecosystem. This joint declaration of intent reflects the importance of working with trusted partners to advance research, strengthen supply chains and support the technologies that will power the economy of the future, including artificial intelligence. By deepening cooperation in this strategic sector, we are creating new opportunities for businesses, researchers and workers in both countries.”
– Carlos Leitão, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry

“Today is a good day for Germany and Canada. We have just laid the foundation for closer cooperation in the semiconductor sector. This is important because semiconductors have become indispensable for both our economies and our societies. At the same time, supply shortages and disruptions to global supply chains have highlighted the challenges facing the chip industry. This makes it all the more important for Germany to strengthen its cooperation with its long-standing and trusted partner Canada in this key economic sector. Doing so will enhance the resilience of our value chains.”
– Stefan Rouenhoff, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy of Germany

Quick facts

• In December 2025, Canada and Germany launched the Canada–Germany Digital Alliance to advance cooperation on key digital technologies. It was operationalized in February 2026 through the Joint Declaration of Intent on Artificial Intelligence and the creation of the Sovereign Technology Alliance to strengthen collaboration on economic security and trusted advanced technologies.

• In February 2026, Minister Joly signed a joint declaration of intent with her German counterpart, Katherina Reiche, Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, to expand bilateral industrial cooperation in strategic sectors—in particular, auto and battery manufacturing and critical minerals.

• Germany is Canada’s largest trading partner in the European Union, and both countries leverage the Canada–European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement to reduce barriers and expand digital trade.