Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) is welcoming proposed canola tariff relief under a new Canada–China trade agreement.
KAP said the agreement in principle, which would ease tariffs on Canadian canola in exchange for reduced tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, is a welcome move for canola growers after years of trade friction.
However, KAP general manager Colin Hornby says the announcement still leaves unanswered questions for other Manitoba commodities.
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“Overall, I would say it’s positive and moving in the right direction to see the tariff relief on canola products,” Hornby said. “Ultimately, we would like to see a permanent solution.”
He said KAP is also encouraged by renewed diplomatic engagement between Canada and China.
However, he said details remain unclear around canola oil.
“As for canola oil, it’s unclear. I don’t believe it was mentioned, so we’re still seeking clarity on whether canola oil is going to be impacted or not,” Hornby said.
From a Manitoba perspective, Hornby added pork remains outside the scope of the announcement.
“That’s something we’re going to continue discussing with the federal government and advocating for — the removal of tariffs on pork going to China,” he said.
