China lifted tariffs on canola while keeping levies on pork
Some sections of Canada’s ag industry are pleased with the outcomes of Prime Minister Carney’s recent trip to China.
The trip from Jan. 13 to 17, which included federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald and Sask. Premier Scott Moe, resulted in a new partnership with good news for some farmers.
As part of the agreement, China committed to lowering tariffs on canola seed to 15 per cent, from 85 per cent, by March 1.
And from March 1 “until at least the end of this year,” canola meal won’t face tariffs.
Members of Canada’s canola sector and broader ag industry welcome movement on the tariff issue.
This development provides producers with predictable trade going forward.
“With most of the 2025 canola crop stored on farm, and planting of the 2026 crop only months away, canola farmers are looking for predictability and confidence in the ability to market their canola,” Rick White, president & CEO of the Canadian Canola Growers Association, said in a statement. “We are pleased to see this significant progress and will be looking for resumption of canola movement in the future.”
Grain Growers of Canada is also pleased with the improved market access for Canadian ag.
“Any progress that lowers barriers for Canadian agricultural products, including canola and pulses, is a positive step for farmers who depend on stable, rules-based trade,” the organization said in its own statement.
And the Canadian Federation of Agriculture views these developments as a starting point for future possibilities.
“These advancements are promising, demonstrating significant progress. This sets the foundation for continued dialogue to resolve outstanding trade barriers and foster a more predictable trade environment for Canadian farmers,” CFA President Keith Currie said in a statement.
Like canola meal, Canadian peas won’t be subject to any tariffs beginning March 1 until at least the end of 2026.
Pulse Canada acknowledged the work leaders from both countries did to reach this point.
This outcome demonstrates what focused, persistent, high-level engagement can achieve,” said Greg Cherewyk, president of Pulse Canada. “Re-establishing access to China provides immediate commercial opportunities while strengthening Canada’s position as a trusted supplier of high-quality, nutritious, and sustainable food ingredients.”
One segment of Canadian ag still facing tariffs from China indefinitely is the pork sector.
Canadian pork remains taxed at 25 per cent.
“While we continue to work on barriers facing the pork sector, what we’re really seeking is consistency in our trading relationships, and we think this reset is a positive move in that direction,” Stephen Heckbert, executive director of the Canadian Pork Council, told Farms.com in an email. “The hard work is just beginning, but we look forward to working with our partners in Canada and in China to find new ways of working together that will benefit both our countries.”
As part of the deal, “Canada also expects to see a resolution of many long-term trade obstacles for a range of important agricultural sectors, from beef to pet food,” the prime minister’s office says.
The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance welcomes the news about Canadian ag in China as it provides stability for producers and exporters.
“Stable and predictable access to international markets is essential for Canada's export-oriented agri-food sector,” the organization said. Exporters rely on clear, rules-based trade frameworks to make long-term investment, production, and supply chain decisions that support jobs and economic activity across the country.”
For its part of the agreement, Canada committed to importing up to 49,000 Chinese EVs into the Canadian market at a 6.1 per cent tariff.