Manitoba Pork says a new Canada–China agreement-in-principle represents progress for Canadian agriculture, but leaves pork producers facing ongoing tariffs into a key export market.
The agreement centres on easing long-standing trade barriers on Canadian canola, with Canada offering tariff concessions on Chinese electric vehicles as part of the package. While that shift is being welcomed by much of the ag sector, pork is not explicitly addressed.
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“There are ongoing tariffs on pork into China — 25 per cent,” said Cam Dahl, general manager of Manitoba Pork. “It’s not a minor inconvenience. It’s a market that is important to us.”
At the same time, Dahl said the proposed reduction in canola tariffs is a clear positive.
“The reduction in canola tariffs from 85 to 15 per cent is good for Manitoba, good for Western Canada, and good for agriculture,” he said. “So we’re pleased to see some progress, while recognizing there is still ongoing work to do, especially when it comes to pork.”
A federal statement explaining the deal said Canada expects China to provide tariff relief for products such as peas and seafood in 2026 but made no mention of pork.
“I’m sure the pork tariffs were a topic of discussion,” Dahl said. “But we have more work to do.”
Dahl said the broader reset in relations with China is still welcome.
“This is a positive step forward. It will be good for Canadian agriculture,” he said.
