China removes restrictions on Canadian canola exports

THE federal government on Wednesday announced that Canada had been advised that China has reinstated access to its market for two Canadian companies that China Customs had suspended from exporting canola seed to China since March 2019.

Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, and Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, said in a statement: “We welcome this decision to remove the restrictions and immediately reinstate the two companies to allow them to export Canadian canola seeds.

“We will continue to work with Canadian canola farmers, businesses, exporters, and their communities to defend their interests and support their success at home and in markets abroad, including China.”

They added: “Canada will always firmly uphold the international rules-based trade system and related dispute settlement mechanisms, as well as a science-based approach to resolving such issues.”

Dan Darling, President of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) said in a statement: “Agri-food exporters are very pleased that trade is going to once again be normalized with China, a significant export destination for our sector.
“This has been a long time coming and we are thankful for the leadership Minister Ng and Minister Bibeau have shown in helping restore market access as well as being champions for rules-based trade for agri-food.
“Today’s news sends an important signal that food security is an issue that requires global solutions and cooperation, and that free and open trade is one of the best ways to ensure food remains plentiful around the world.
“Exporters of all sizes are facing numerous challenges these days. The road to recovery will go through trade while also helping fight climate change and restore vitality in our supply and value chains.
“We look forward to continuing to work alongside Minister Ng, Minister Bibeau and the federal government to further market access priorities with China such as re-establishing trade flows for beef and pork.”

 

Quick Facts

  • The canola industry contributes almost $27 billion and 250,000 jobs to Canada’s economy.
  • In 2018, Canada exported more than $11 billion worth of canola products to over 50 markets.
  • In March 2019, China suspended two Canadian companies, alleging the detection of quarantine pests in canola shipments.
  • Canada requested WTO consultations with China in September 2019.
  • WTO members agreed to establish a panel in July 2021 for this case and the panel was composed in November 2021.