Canada secures renewed market access with China to boost exports and strengthen economic collaboration
News release
March 4, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
As Canada forges a new path forward in its engagement with China, the world’s second-largest economy, it is focused on expanding commercial relations and cooperation, particularly in the areas of energy, clean technology, and climate competitiveness.
Building on Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Beijing earlier this year, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, welcomed a significant step in renewing Canada’s economic relationship with China. These developments mark the important progress being made toward the goal of increasing exports to China by 50% by 2030 and support Canada’s broader trade diversification agenda.
Effective March 1, 2026, China has:
- suspended anti-discrimination tariffs on canola meal, peas, lobster, and crab until the end of 2026; and
- reduced tariffs on Canadian canola seed to a combined applied tariff rate of 14.9%, representing a major decrease from the previous combined tariff level of almost 85%.
For canola seed, this will improve market access for approximately $4 billion in annual Canadian exports, addressing one of the most significant agricultural trade barriers between Canada and China. Removal of the additional tariffs on Canadian agricultural and fish and seafood products restores market access for these products and will directly benefit Canadian farmers across the country and seafood harvesters on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts by increasing demand, stabilizing prices and creating more predictable market opportunities for their products.
Since Prime Minister Carney’s visit to Beijing, China has also resumed beef market access for 20 registered Canadian meat establishments as of January 15, 2026, opening one of the largest meat import markets to Canada. Prior to the suspension of beef imports, Canada’s exports to China were valued at $193 million in 2021. In addition, China has resumed access to Canadian porcine and bovine genetics from registered Canadian facilities and a new pet food safety and sanitation requirements protocol was signed in January 2026. China has committed to accelerate the resumption of market access for Canadian pet food including processed pet food, canned pet food, pet treats, and pet chews.
As of March 1, 2026, Canada has:
- implemented an initial country-specific annual quota of 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) at the most-favoured-nation tariff rate of 6.1%, lifting the previous 100% surtax; and
- extended the remission of surtaxes for certain Chinese steel and aluminum products that are in short supply and expanded coverage to additional steel, aluminum, and steel derivative products.
As Canada continues to work with determination to diversify trade partnerships and double non-U.S. exports in the next decade, these measures represent a meaningful step toward securing new growth opportunities for Canadian workers, businesses, and communities.
Quotes
“Canada is committed to shaping our bilateral relationship with China that reflects our shared interests, and the strong people‑to‑people ties linking our two countries. Today’s progress creates momentum for deeper cooperation in the years ahead by opening doors for innovation, cultural and educational exchange, and new economic opportunities for communities in both Canada and China. By investing in these relationships now, we are building a more resilient, collaborative, and prosperous future for our peoples.”
- Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“Canada’s automotive industry is a pillar of our economic strength and the backbone of advanced manufacturing in our country. Through our auto strategy, our government is building a competitive, integrated supply chain that creates good Canadian jobs, and accelerates innovation across the industry. This agreement with China will open new commercial and investment opportunities, and position Canada as a reliable partner in next-generation vehicle manufacturing.”
- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
“Through a pragmatic approach in our engagement with China, we are delivering tangible trade results for Canadians. These measures open a major market for our farmers and harvesters. This arrangement opens new opportunities for Canadian businesses and reflects a practical, forward‑looking approach that supports jobs at home and keeps Canada competitive globally.”
- Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade
“Canada’s farmers, ranchers, and processors succeed when markets are open and trade is predictable. The suspension and reduction of tariffs on agriculture products, in addition to the restoration of market access for Canadian beef, pet food and animal genetics exports to China, deliver real opportunities for Canadian producers, businesses and workers. These outcomes will help grow our economy, create good jobs, and expand Canada’s agri-food exports.”
- Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“Canada's fish and seafood exports to China are significant, and we're working to grow them. When consumers in China choose Canadian seafood, they know they're getting a safe, sustainably harvested, quality product, backed by independent harvesters and science. That's our Canadian brand, and these measures are helping us strengthen it.”
- Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries
Quick facts
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Prime Minister Carney’s first official visit to China in January 2026 marked a turning point in the Canada-China relationship and built on recent engagements to advance cooperation and revitalize the Canada-China commercial partnership.
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China is the second-largest single-country merchandise trading partner to Canada, with $124.8 billion worth of two-way merchandise trade in 2025. Canadian merchandise exports to China were valued at $34.1 billion, while merchandise imports were $90.6 billion.
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China is an essential trading partner for agriculture, agri-food trade and fish and seafood products. Canada values its role as an important and reliable supplier of high-quality products to the Chinese market.
Related products
- Prime Minister Carney forges new strategic partnership with the People’s Republic of China focused on energy, agri-food, and trade
- Backgrounder - Preliminary Joint Arrangement on Addressing Bilateral Economic and Trade Issues between Canada and the People's Republic of China
- Import of Electric Vehicles from the People’s Republic of China – Serial No. 1162
Associated links
Contacts
Erin Quevillon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade
343-203-7332
Erin.Quevillon@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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