Canada, China Hold Constructive Canola Tariff Talks

Canadian officials, including Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and agriculture advisor Kody Blois, held constructive talks with Chinese counterparts in early September to address China's recent imposition of a 75.8% preliminary tariff on Canadian canola seed imports. China, the world's largest importer of canola, has applied these duties with a final ruling expected next year, prompting concerns due to Canada's nearly C$5 billion canola exports to China in 2024. Prime Minister Mark Carney described the discussions as a positive step toward resolving trade disputes and maintaining vital trade relationships between the two countries. Meanwhile, Mexico, under President Claudia Sheinbaum, emphasized that new tariffs on certain imports are broadly applied to countries lacking free trade agreements, including China, and are designed to reinforce Mexico's economy rather than target any single nation. Mexico has engaged in dialogues with Chinese officials and plans further discussions, highlighting ongoing efforts to balance trade relations amid tariff changes across North America. Additionally, Carney is scheduled to visit Mexico soon to focus on trade and investment cooperation under the USMCA framework, underscoring the interconnected nature of trade relations among Canada, Mexico, and China.