The federal government on Wednesday confirmed the expected reduction or suspension of Chinese tariffs on imports of Canadian agricultural products.
Most notable is Beijing’s sharp cut in tariffs on Canadian canola seed, which took effect March 1. The combined applied tariff rate has been cut to 14.9% from nearly 85% previously, improving access to a market worth roughly $4 billion annually for Canadian exporters, said a federal release.
China has also suspended anti-discrimination tariffs on Canadian canola meal and peas until the end of 2026. The suspension applies as well to lobster and crab exports, restoring access for products that had faced major trade barriers in recent years.
The reopening of China’s beef market is another significant development. As of Jan. 15, China resumed imports from 20 registered Canadian meat establishments, restoring access to one of the world’s largest meat import markets. Prior to previous restrictions, Canadian beef exports to China were valued at about $193 million in 2021.
China has also resumed access for Canadian porcine and bovine genetics and committed to accelerating the approval process for Canadian pet food exports, including processed pet food and pet treats.
The renewed market access is expected to benefit producers across Canada, particularly canola growers on the Prairies and livestock producers seeking stronger export demand.
China remains Canada’s second-largest merchandise trading partner, with two-way trade totaling nearly $125 billion in 2025, including $34.1 billion in Canadian exports.
The tariff reductions were secured as part of deal struck between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese leader Xi Jinping back in January.
