“China’s decision to impose a 75.8 per cent tariff on additional Canadian canola products is another devastating blow to Alberta’s agriculture industry. This comes on top of the existing 100 per cent tariffs on canola oil, canola oil cake and peas and threatens to cut Alberta producers out of one of their most valuable markets almost entirely.
“China is Alberta’s second-largest agricultural export market, worth $2.4 billion in 2024, with canola, peas and pork making up $1.7 billion of that trade. Nearly 70 per cent of Alberta’s canola seed exports are destined for China, which is also the world’s largest importer of canola and sources nearly all its supply from Canada. Losing this market could have serious consequences for farm families, processing facilities and rural communities across our province.
“These tariffs by China are in response to the federal government’s decision to impose 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum, effective October 2024. Alberta’s farmers, ranchers and processors did not create this situation, yet they are paying the price. While we acknowledge Canada’s request for World Trade Organization dispute consultations over the March 20 tariffs, more urgent and active federal intervention is needed to resolve this dispute – an issue they created.
“Alberta is once again calling on Ottawa to act swiftly to support Western Canadian producers, engage in constructive dialogue with China, and restore access to one of our most critical markets before more livelihoods are lost.”