Chinese tariffs of 100 per cent on some Canadian food and farm products are set to go into effect on March 20, prompting concern from those in the Canadian agriculture industry.
Provincial Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson, who earlier this month was announced as the lead figure in an upcoming "Buy Alberta" campaign, issued a statement on social media to decry the incoming Chinese tariffs.
"These tariffs, along with those threatened by southern neighbours, will have a devastating impact on hard-working farmers, ranchers, and food processors who are caught in political crossfire they want no part of," he said.
One hundred per cent tariffs will be imposed on Canadian canola, canola oil, peas and rapeseed oil, and additional 25 per cent tariffs will be applied to aquatic products and pork.
The tariffs are China's response to Canadian duties on Chinese-made electric vehicles (100 per cent) and aluminum and steel products (25 per cent) imposed in October last year, spurred by what the Liberal government unfair trading practices and poor labour standards by the Chinese.
"Alberta’s agriculture industry is world-class, and we’re committed to expanding markets despite these challenges. However, we need the federal government to step up and address the trade issues they’ve created," said Sigurdson.
China is Alberta’s second-largest trading partner, with the trading relationship between the two more than tripling since 2003. From 2016 to 2017, Alberta’s exports to China grew by 26.4 per cent and in 2020, Alberta's exports to China were valued at $4.5 billion.
"We’ll continue advocating for our producers and working with our partners to safeguard access to key markets like China, ensuring a vibrant future for Alberta’s agriculture," said Sigurdson, who last year took a leading role in strengthening Alberta's international presence by leading trade delegations in Mexico and the United States.
Canada finds itself embroiled in an increasing number of trade disputes, as uncertainly looms over U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threat.
On March 8th, China announced new tariffs on Canadian agricultural products, including canola oil, pork, and peas. These tariffs, along with those threatened by southern neighbors, will have a devastating impact on hard-working farmers, ranchers, and food processors who are… pic.twitter.com/TjicER3hIG
— RJ Sigurdson (@RjSigurdson) March 11, 2025
