Canada Stand with Farmers Against China’s Tariffs
China has concluded a domestic “anti-discrimination” investigation, initiated on September 26, 2024, which has resulted in the imposition of tariffs on Canadian exports, including canola oil and meal, peas, fish, seafood, and pork. These tariffs will come into effect on March 20, 2025.
Below is the response from the The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, to China's newly announced tariffs on Canadian agricultural, fish, and seafood products.
“Canada does not accept the premise of China’s investigation, nor its findings. We are deeply disappointed with China’s announced measures.”
The ministers emphasized “Our hard-working farmers and fishers provide world-class food to Canadians and international trading partners. Canadian products meet the highest standards, and our inspection systems are robust. As a trading partner, Canada has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring a level playing field for Canadian businesses, and support for fair, rules-based trade.”
“This includes addressing China’s non-market policies and practices that artificially lower production costs and distort markets. Canada remains open to engaging in constructive dialogue with Chinese officials to address our respective trade concerns."
“We are steadfast in our commitment to defend Canadian workers and we will stand shoulder-to-shoulder in our support for Canada’s hard-working farmers and fishers in the agricultural and fishing sectors, who will be impacted by the measures that China regrettably announced today.”
The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) issued a statement regarding its concerns about the Chinese government’s decision.
“CAFTA and its members raised concerns about possible retaliatory action by China with federal officials ahead of the government imposing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel and aluminum in Fall 2024,” said Michael Harvey, Executive Director of CAFTA.
“Given current trade and geopolitical uncertainty for Canada’s agri-food exports, it is imperative that the Government of Canada engage with China as quickly as possible to find a resolution to this issue.”
CAFTA says that it is working with government officials to resolve this issue.
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture also issued a statement condemning the Chinese tariffs.
“These Chinese tariffs could not have come at a worse time as Canadian producers already combat unfair and unjustified trade actions from the United States,” said Keith Currie, President of the CFA.
“It is crucial that the Government of Canada stand firmly with Canadian canola, pork and seafood producers. We urge the Government of Canada to engage in immediate and robust diplomatic efforts with China to address these tariffs and to work closely with affected industries to provide financial compensation commensurate with the losses incurred by farmers who are paying the price.”
Grain Growers of Canada also shared that groups response.
“With uncertainty mounting with the United States, our largest export market, the last thing grain farmers needed was a trade war with China, our second largest export market,” said Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC. “Together, the U.S. and China account for over half of all Canadian grain exports — losing access or facing exorbitant tariffs in both markets at once is a threat farmers cannot afford to absorb.”
The Canola Council of Canada also issued a statment:
“New tariffs from China on Canadian canola oil and meal will have a devastating impact on canola farmers and the broader value chain at a time of increased trade and geopolitical uncertainty,” says Chris Davison, Canola Council of Canada (CCC) President & CEO. “We urge the federal government to immediately engage with China, with a view to resolving this issue.”
Photo Credit: Pexels: Lara Jameson