Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s agriculture sector faces fresh uncertainty after China announced preliminary anti-dumping duties of 75.8% on additional Canadian canola products. The new measure, which comes on top of existing 100% tariffs on canola oil, canola oil cake, and peas, could severely restrict one of the province’s most important export markets.
In a statement responding to the move, Alberta Agriculture Minister Sigurdson warned that the decision could effectively push local producers out of China — a market worth $2.4 billion in 2024, with canola, peas, and pork accounting for $1.7 billion of that trade. Nearly 70% of Alberta’s canola seed exports are sent to China, which remains the largest global buyer of canola and relies heavily on Canadian supply.
“This development is another devastating blow to farmers, processors, and rural communities,” Sigurdson said, adding that the tariffs were a direct response to Canada’s recent trade actions — including a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles and a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports set to take effect in October 2024.
The minister criticized the federal government for creating a dispute that has left Alberta’s agricultural sector “paying the price” and called for urgent federal intervention. While Ottawa has already sought consultations through the World Trade Organization over the earlier tariffs announced in March, Sigurdson stressed that “more active engagement” with Beijing is needed to restore market access.
“Alberta is once again urging Ottawa to act quickly, enter meaningful discussions with China, and prevent further damage to farm livelihoods and processing operations,” she said.
