Canadian Delegation Concludes Productive Talks on Canola Tariffs in China

Ottawa has confirmed that the Canadian trade delegation’s recent visit to China resulted in productive discussions regarding canola tariffs and other trade matters. The delegation, which took place from September 6 to 9, 2023, focused primarily on addressing the ongoing dispute surrounding Canadian canola exports.

The delegation included Kody Blois, parliamentary secretary to the Prime Minister, and Scott Moe, Premier of Saskatchewan. Their mission was prompted by China’s imposition of a temporary tariff of 75.8 percent on Canadian canola, which was added to existing levies on canola-related products established earlier in the year.

During the visit, Blois engaged in discussions with senior Chinese officials, including Ma Zhaoxu, the executive vice minister for foreign affairs, and Li Chenggang, vice minister of commerce. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) released on September 12, these meetings aimed to explore potential pathways to resolve existing trade irritants between the two nations.

Focus on Trade Relations

The talks come amid rising tensions in trade relations between Canada and China. The imposition of the substantial tariffs on canola has raised concerns among Canadian farmers and exporters, who rely heavily on the Chinese market. Canola is a significant agricultural product for Canada, with exports valued at over $2 billion annually.

The delegation’s discussions were deemed essential for re-establishing dialogue and seeking resolution to the trade challenges faced by Canadian producers. The PMO highlighted the importance of these meetings in fostering constructive engagement with Chinese stakeholders.

Both Blois and Moe expressed optimism about the outcomes of the discussions, stressing the necessity of ongoing communication to enhance trade relations. “Our goal is to ensure that Canadian farmers can continue to compete on a level playing field in international markets,” Blois noted.

Next Steps for Canadian Canola Exports

The Canadian government is now awaiting responses from Chinese officials regarding potential adjustments to the tariffs. The trade delegation’s findings will be reviewed as part of ongoing efforts to negotiate better terms for Canadian exports.

As the situation develops, the Canadian government remains committed to addressing trade barriers through diplomatic channels. The outcome of these talks could have significant implications for the future of Canadian agriculture and its access to the Chinese market.

In summary, the Canadian trade delegation’s visit to China has laid the groundwork for future negotiations aimed at resolving the canola tariff dispute, reflecting a proactive approach to international trade relations. With both nations recognizing the importance of agricultural trade, the focus will now shift to implementing effective solutions that benefit Canadian farmers and strengthen ties with China.