Getting Chinese tariffs off of Canadian agricultural products and seafood is one of the commitments made by the Prime Minister and the Premiers, following a First Minister's Meeting Thursday in Saskatoon.
Agricultural products include canola oil, canola meal, peas and pork. In March, China imposed 100% tariffs on canola oil, canola meal, and peas, and a 25% tariff on seafood and pork. It was a response to Canada putting a 100% tariff on Chinese Electric Vehicles and a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum from China in October of last year.
A communique from the Prime Minister's Office says all of the First Ministers agreed it's important to have discussions about improving trade with China on a regular basis, as well as expand Canada's trade portfolio in the face of tariffs.
Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters that the federal government is communicating with its Chinese counterparts on a ministerial level, adding it is a "top priority for us."
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe added having those conversations are the key to "not only secure our market access for products like canola oil and canola meal in the long term, but to secure a more broad trading relationship with China."
"The fact that the federal government is working diligently not only to have those tariffs removed, but working diligently to broaden that relationship into the future I think is precisely what we need to do as a nation." Moe further stated.
China is Canada's second largest trading partner, behind only the United States.
