The federal government needs to do more to support Canadian agri-businesses amid new Chinese tariffs that have taken a backseat to Ottawa’s trade dealings with the US, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) says.
In a release Wednesday, the CFIB said new data shows China’s retaliatory tariffs on Canadian agricultural and seafood products are affecting about a third (36%) of Canadian agricultural businesses, with nearly one in four (23%) taking a direct hit.
The Chinese government last month imposed 100% tariffs on imports of Canadian peas, as well as canola oil and meal, along with 25% levies on pork and some seafood products. Beijing’s move came after the Canadian government earlier slapped tariffs on Canadian imports of EVs, steel and aluminum from China.
“While the focus has been on the US tariff battle, Canadian agri-businesses have been even more deeply harmed by China’s tariffs on canola oil, canola meal and peas, as well as certain pork, fish and seafood products. These producers need greater attention and support,” said Juliette Nicolaÿ, policy analyst at CFIB.
“While about one in four agri-businesses have taken steps to mitigate tariff impacts, only 10% of agri-businesses say that governments have done enough to support affected firms.”
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