The federal government still hasn’t managed to remove tariffs on Canadian products like canola permanently, partly due to ongoing discussions with Beijing regarding Chinese steel and aluminum.
Agriculture Minister Heath Mac Donald mentioned in response to a reporter’s question that this is one of the reasons why China has only agreed to lower its tariff on some Canadian agri-goods until the end of this year.
Canada imposes tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum. From Ottawa’s perspective, the Chinese government engages in unfair trading practices, including extensive subsidies for its metal industries that result in low prices, disrupting global trade.
Mac Donald, back from a recent government visit to China, informed reporters on Tuesday that both Ottawa and Beijing are working on “remissions relative to steel.” The Canadian government provides remissions or relief from tariffs it places on certain Chinese steel and aluminum products that are typically unavailable or scarce in Canada.
Ottawa announced it will extend those remission measures until the end of 2026.
“So we’ve got some work to do on that,” Mac Donald stated.
When asked for more details, he said, “On steel and aluminum, we need to further identify the situation with China and the federal Canadian government to ensure that we’re meeting their demands and they’re meeting our demands.”
Mac Donald’s office sent a follow-up statement highlighting that the main issue wasn’t just about steel and aluminum but also that “there are still a number of issues and concerns on both sides that need to be worked through.”
It did not specify what those other issues are.
![Prime Minister Mark Carney]( "Progress on Tariffs Stalled by Steel and Aluminum Talks 1")
Prime Minister Mark Carney, back left, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, back right look on as Mac Donald front left takes part in a signing ceremony at Great Hall of People in Beijing January 15. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)
Mac Donald mentioned when the Canadian delegation arrived in Beijing last week there was nothing finalized yet.
However when he met Sun Meijun China’s minister of general administration customs she told him “there’s good news about beef.”
No prior notice was given.
“That’s how quickly all this happened,” Mac Donald remarked. “We were there; we were ready; we’ll be prepared in future – getting done deals needed for long-term relationships.”
China places orders for canola beef
Mac Donald also shared news about China’s rapid movement towards importing Canadian canola seed beef.
He noted a Chinese importer ordered sixty thousand tonnes canola seed aware company shipping first load beef next week.
This marks expected time China purchases Canadian seeds beef since imposed measures block such products.
Mac Donald revealed lifting ban imports days after deal struck reduce tariffs food electric vehicles.
China banned imports cattle two thousand twenty-one case bovine spongiform encephalopathy known mad cow disease found farm Alberta.
BSE fatal brain disease cattle atypical strains pose health risks humans.
Tariffs remain pork however negotiation continues noted producing percent pork consumes.
“There still market us,” said minister.
