Carney heading to China to talk ag and other issues

The trip is scheduled for Jan. 13 to 17

Prime Minister Mark Carney is heading to China where agriculture discussions are part of the itinerary.

The prime minister is scheduled to leave for China on Jan. 13, arrive the next day, and leave on Jan. 17. Agriculture, as well as trade, energy, and international security are among the topics Carney will discuss with Chinese officials, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said on Wednesday.

China has multiple tariffs on Canadian ag products.

Canola oil and meal, and peas, are tariffed at 100 per cent, while canola seed faces a 75.8 per cent tariff.

Canadian pork, as well as seafood products like lobster, crab, and shrimp, are tariffed at 25 per cent.

And the tariffs have had a devastating effect on Canadian ag.

Estimates indicate that between March 2025 when China implemented the tariffs on canola, and September, Canadian canola farmers lost about $800 million.

That September, Carney committed to being personally involved in resolving the ag partnership issues with China. He also announced a support package for canola farmers affected by the tariffs.

The following month, Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald visited China.

Then in November, China indicated its willingness to work with Canada on deepening trade talks.

China’s tariffs on Canadian ag are in response to Canada placing its own tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel and aluminum.

This trip will be the first for a Canadian prime minister to China since 2017.

At that time, Prime Minister Trudeau visited China hoping to reach an agreement to start formal trade negotiations but came home empty handed.