Canada: Agriculture minister says tariff situation with China is fragile, volatile

Agriculture ministers from across Canada said they heard canola producers’ concerns about tariffs but it seems unlikely they can do much about them. The ministers met with growers in Manitoba and informally with leaders of the canola organizations ahead of their annual federal-provincial-territorial meeting earlier this month. Both of Canada’s main canola organizations are unhappy with recently announced support they say falls short in the face of the closed Chinese market. The entire sector wants Canada to negotiate an end to the tariffs. “As we sat around the table and had a heart-to-heart discussion, they realized the challenges we’re facing,” said Manitoba agriculture minister Ron Kostyshyn. It’s widely believed China imposed the tariffs in response to Canada’s 100-per cent tariff on electric vehicles from that country. Canada’s decision was made to fall in line with the United States. Federal ag minister Heath MacDonald said the government responded with support to alleviate ...