Statement by ministers Ng, MacAulay and Lebouthillier on China’s anti-discrimination investigation

The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, today issued the following statement in response to China’s announcement of tariffs against Canadian agricultural, fish and seafood products:

“Today, China announced the conclusion of a domestic ‘anti-discrimination’ investigation that it launched against Canada on September 26, 2024. The investigation resulted in the announcement of unjustified tariffs on Canadian canola oil and meal, peas, fish, seafood and pork products and is scheduled to enter into force on March 20, 2025.

“Canada does not accept the premise of China’s investigation, nor its findings. We are deeply disappointed with China’s announced measures.   

“Our hard-working farmers and fishers provide world-class food to Canadians and international trading partners. Canadian products meet the highest standards, and our inspection systems are robust. As a trading partner, Canada has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring a level playing field for Canadian businesses, and support for fair, rules-based trade. This includes addressing China’s non-market policies and practices that artificially lower production costs and distort markets. Canada remains open to engaging in constructive dialogue with Chinese officials to address our respective trade concerns.

“We are steadfast in our commitment to defend Canadian workers and we will stand shoulder-to-shoulder in our support for Canada’s hard-working farmers and fishers in the agricultural and fishing sectors, who will be impacted by the measures that China regrettably announced today.”

Quick Facts

·       Canola is Canada’s second largest acreage crop, with over 21 million acres produced annually. It generated $13.6 billion in farm cash receipts in 2023.

·       Canadian exports of canola meal to China represented $920.9 million in 2024, while exports of canola oil represented approximately $21 million. Canada’s pea exports (dried and fresh) to China amounted to $303.6 million in 2024.

·       In 2024, Canada exported $1.3 billion in fish and seafood products to China.

·        In 2024, Canada exported $468.6 million in pork products to China