A large majority of Canadian agri-businesses want the country to strengthen trade relationships beyond China and the United States, according to new data from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). In a recent survey, 88% of agri-business owners said Canada should expand trade ties due to growing tensions with its two largest trading partners.
The push for diversification comes as Chinese tariffs continue to affect Canadian agriculture. About 36% of agri-businesses say they’ve been impacted by these tariffs, with nearly one in four reporting direct financial harm. Products like canola oil, canola meal, peas, pork, and seafood have been particularly affected.
While much attention has focused on trade disputes with the U.S., CFIB says the damage from Chinese tariffs has been even more severe for some producers. Despite this, only 10% of agri-businesses feel the government has provided enough support to help them manage the fallout.
In response, CFIB has sent a letter to the federal government urging immediate action. The group is calling for reduced tax and regulatory burdens, better-designed support programs that reflect the current challenges, and help for businesses to explore new markets.
The U.S. and China are key markets for Canadian agricultural exports. Together, they account for over half of Canada’s canola shipments. China is also Canada’s second-largest buyer of fish and seafood. Ongoing trade issues have left many agri-businesses with unsold products and lost foreign customers.
The findings come from CFIB’s Your Voice – April 2025 survey, which launched on April 10. As of April 21, more than 2,000 members had responded. The results have a margin of error of ±2.2%, 19 times out of 20.
With trade uncertainty continuing, many agri-businesses say they need clearer guidance and stronger support to adapt and remain competitive in a shifting global market.
