Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is Considering Measures to Support Canola Farmers Following China’s Recent Tariffs.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he is considering measures to support farmers affected by the strict tariffs imposed by China on Canadian canola seeds, which came into effect today.
Carney wrote today on social media that he spoke with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and that they agreed to continue discussions with farmer groups about possible options, but he did not provide any details about a specific plan.
Saskatchewan, in western Canada, ranks first among the country’s ten provinces in terms of canola seed production.
The Chinese tariffs of 75.8%, announced by Beijing on Tuesday, caused a drop in the prices of one of Canada’s most important crops, resulting in losses worth millions of dollars.
“If these unjustified tariffs continue, they will have significant effects on many Canadian farmers,” Carney said.
“Premier Moe and I have focused on a series of measures to support hardworking farmers who provide world-class food for Canadians and for our trading partners around the globe,” said the federal prime minister.
China’s imposition of these tariffs comes nearly a year after it launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of Canadian canola seeds. The investigation was a response to Canada imposing 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
Since then, the two countries have imposed various tariffs on each other.
Last year, Canada also imposed a 25% tariff on Chinese steel and aluminum, and Beijing responded by imposing a 100% tariff on Canadian canola beans and canola oil.
The latest Chinese measure, which came into effect today, means that all Canadian products made from canola are now subject to tariffs.