Market access discussions include canola, peas and a potentially $530-million pet food market
Canada is looking to strengthen agricultural trade with China, with discussions during a federal trade mission focusing on market access, canola, peas and new opportunities for Canada's pet food industry.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald concluded his third mission to China after meeting government officials and industry leaders in Beijing and attending the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai.
The visit comes as China remains one of Canada's most important agricultural export markets. In 2025, Canadian agriculture, agri-food, fish and seafood exports to China were valued at $6.7 billion.
In Beijing, MacDonald met with Chinese Agriculture Minister Zhang Zhu, with the two discussing agricultural cooperation in areas including soil health, animal health and genetics.
The discussions build on the revitalized Joint Agriculture Committee between Agriculture and Agri\-Food Canada and China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
New opportunity for Canadian pet food
One potentially significant development for Canadian agriculture came from talks with Sun Meijun, Minister of China's General Administration of Customs.
Those discussions covered market access and technical cooperation, including the finalization of an updated arrangement covering Canadian pet food products.
The federal government estimates the arrangement has potential market value of $530 million.
Importantly for Canadian manufacturers and ingredient suppliers, the arrangement has been expanded to permit ruminant ingredients in addition to poultry. Products covered include processed and canned pet food, treats and pet chews.
China had been Canada's second-largest pet food market before restrictions involving Canadian pet food containing poultry were introduced in 2021.
Canada exported about $1 billion worth of dog and cat food products worldwide in 2025, highlighting the potential importance of regaining and expanding access to the Chinese market.
Greater certainty for canola and pea exporters
MacDonald also joined International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu in updating Canadian agriculture stakeholders on a two-year extension of the Preliminary Joint Arrangement between Canada and China.
The arrangement covers Canadian canola meal and peas, along with lobster and crab.
The federal government says the extension is intended to give Canadian farmers and exporters greater certainty and predictability while supporting increased trade with China.
Canola remains particularly important to the relationship.
Canadian canola seed exports to China reached $1.5 billion in 2025, making it Canada's largest agriculture, agri-food and seafood export to the country and accounting for 21.9 per cent of Canadian sector exports to the Chinese market.
Wheat exports were worth $1.2 billion, followed by soybeans at $971.7 million, barley at $504.7 million, pork and pork products at $315.1 million and canola meal at $288.2 million.
MacDonald also met with Chinese industry representatives, including China Oil and Foodstuffs Corporation, Beijing Capital Agribusiness & Food Group and BHG Marketplace, promoting Canada as a reliable supplier of agricultural products.
Canada showcased at major Chinese trade show
In Shanghai, MacDonald attended CIIE as part of the Canadian delegation alongside Sidhu.
Canada participated as a Guest Country of Honour and operated a National Pavilion along with three industry pavilions. The agri-food pavilion included 44 Canadian exhibitors under the Canada Brand, including Canada Beef, Canada Pork and the Fisheries Council of Canada.
For Canadian farmers, the importance of the visit extends beyond individual announcements. China continues to be Canada's second-leading global destination for agriculture, agri-food, fish and seafood products, meaning improved market access and more predictable trading conditions can have implications for several major Canadian commodities.
"Continued conversations on trade and cooperation between Canada and China provide us with the opportunity to strengthen our valuable agricultural and trade relationship with this market," MacDonald said.
He added that continued engagement could help Canada secure additional market access while reinforcing the country's reputation as a supplier of high-quality and sustainable agricultural, fish and seafood products.