China has wasted little time in restarting imports of Canadian canola and beef after Ottawa and Beijing reached an agreement to roll back key trade barriers, Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald said Tuesday.
MacDonald told reporters that a Chinese buyer has already committed to purchasing 60,000 metric tonnes of Canadian canola seed. At the same time, a Canadian exporter is preparing to ship its first consignment of beef to China as early as next week — the first such shipment since Chinese restrictions were imposed.
“The speed of this has surprised even us,” MacDonald said. “Once access was restored, things moved almost immediately.”
The minister’s comments came as he announced the launch of federal consultations on a new long-term agreement that will shape funding and support programs for Canada’s agriculture sector starting in 2028.
The renewed shipments mark a turning point in Canada–China trade relations, which have been strained in recent years. Earlier this week, China officially lifted its ban on Canadian beef imports that followed the discovery of an atypical case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) on an Alberta farm in 2021. Canadian officials have consistently maintained that atypical BSE does not pose a risk to human health.
In parallel, Beijing has reduced tariffs on Canadian canola seed and temporarily suspended duties on several other products, including canola meal, peas, lobsters and crabs. In exchange, Canada agreed to ease tariffs on a limited number of Chinese electric vehicles entering the Canadian market.
MacDonald said the easing of agricultural trade barriers will help diversify Canada’s export markets and strengthen an industry that plays a central role in the national economy. Agriculture and food processing contribute about $150 billion annually, or roughly seven per cent of Canada’s GDP, he said.
The Canadian Cattle Association welcomed the reopening of the Chinese market, calling it a significant step for producers.
“China is one of the world’s most important beef markets,” association president Tyler Fulton said in a statement. “Restored access supports stability and long-term growth for Canadian ranchers.”
Despite the progress, MacDonald acknowledged that some issues remain unresolved. Canadian pork exports, he noted, are still facing Chinese tariffs, and further negotiations will be needed.
“We still have work to do to make sure both sides are aligned,” he said.
While the exact timing of the canola shipment has not been confirmed, tariff reductions on the crop are scheduled to take effect on March 1. MacDonald credited farmers for their patience during months of uncertainty.
“They stayed engaged and professional throughout this process,” he said. “That made a real difference.”
In Saskatchewan, where more than half of Canada’s canola is grown, Premier Scott Moe described the agreement as a major economic win. Speaking in Saskatoon, Moe thanked Prime Minister Mark Carney for finalizing the deal.
“This is a big moment for Saskatchewan and for Canada,” Moe said. “Few agreements I’ve seen have had this kind of impact across multiple sectors.”
The deal has also sparked political debate. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has criticized the agreement, arguing it adds pressure to Ontario’s auto industry, which is already grappling with U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Under the deal, up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles will be allowed into Canada at a reduced tariff rate of 6.1 per cent.
Moe rejected claims that the agreement favours one region over another, noting the vehicles account for only a small share of Canada’s electric vehicle market.
“This is not about provinces competing with each other,” he said. “It’s about making decisions that are good for the country as a whole.”
