The federal government is pushing back against China’s latest trade measures on Canadian canola, pledging stronger support for producers and new efforts to expand export markets.
This week, Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald met with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison, Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding, and leaders from the canola sector. Federal colleagues Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, and Kody Blois, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, also attended.
Heavy Tariffs Raise Concerns
On August 14, China introduced a 75.8% preliminary anti-dumping duty on Canadian canola seed. This is in addition to existing 100% tariffs on canola oil and meal. The new measures threaten Canada’s largest canola export market. In 2024, China imported 5.9 million tonnes of Canadian seed, valued at about $4 billion, representing two-thirds of total seed exports.
Ottawa and Saskatchewan Aligned
Minister MacDonald said Canada is “profoundly disappointed” by the decision. He stressed the need for fair market access and open dialogue with Chinese officials. The meeting also focused on ways to help farmers, including the use of Business Risk Management (BRM) programs and a wider industrial strategy to grow exports in other markets.
Canola’s Economic Role
Canola is Canada’s second-largest acreage crop, with more than 21 million acres grown each year. In 2024, canola seed brought in $12.9 billion in farm cash receipts, making it the country’s most valuable field crop.
“Canola is a vital part of our economy,” MacDonald said. “We will stand with our producers, workers, and exporters as we defend Canadian trade and open new markets.”
