China has announced it will suspends several tariffs on Canadian agricultural imports, marking a significant step toward easing trade tensions between Beijing and Ottawa following recent diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
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According to China’s finance ministry, the suspension will include 100% tariffs on Canadian canola meal and peas, as well as 25% tariffs on lobster and crab imports. The measures will take effect from March 1 and remain in place until the end of 2026. The decision follows Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Beijing in January, where both sides reached an initial agreement aimed at improving trade relations.
China suspends some agricultural tariffs on Canada. https://t.co/F83QJemZyu pic.twitter.com/9AdYOMW6tW
— Farmtario (@farmtario) February 27, 2026
The move is expected to provide relief to Canadian exporters, particularly in the agriculture and seafood sectors, which had faced steep barriers during the trade dispute. However, China’s announcement did not include any immediate reduction in tariffs on Canadian canola seeds, which currently face combined tariffs of about 84%. Canadian officials had anticipated a reduction to around 15%, and a Chinese investigation into canola imports is scheduled to conclude on March 9.
Despite the uncertainty, analysts noted that Chinese buyers have already begun booking Canadian canola shipments, suggesting optimism about further tariff adjustments. Canola oil and pork were also not mentioned in the latest announcement, leaving the possibility of additional changes in the coming weeks.
China was Canada’s second-largest market for canola in 2024, highlighting the importance of stable trade relations between the two economies. The tariff suspension comes at a time when global trade dynamics are shifting, with countries seeking to diversify economic partnerships amid ongoing tensions involving the United States.
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During his visit, Carney also signalled Canada’s willingness to strengthen economic cooperation with China, including plans to allow increased imports of Chinese electric vehicles under favourable tariff terms, reflecting broader efforts to expand bilateral trade.