Key Takeaways from Canada–China Agri-Food Update 2026: Market Access, Trade Outlook & the Evolving Supply Chain
On April 16, 2026, the Canada China Business Council (CCBC) hosted a timely briefing on the evolving landscape of Canada–China agri-food trade, bringing together industry leaders and experts to share insights on market developments and emerging priorities.
Canada–China agri-food trade continues to evolve as market access conditions shift and supply chains adapt to new regulatory and transparency requirements. For Canadian exporters, understanding developments on the ground in China remains essential to navigating the next phase of engagement with one of Canada’s most important agri-food markets.
During the session, speakers examined recent market access developments, shared on-the-ground perspectives from Canadian exporters operating in China, and discussed the near-term outlook for the sector. The conversation also highlighted the growing complexity of agri-food supply chains, including the increasing importance of logistics, financing, compliance, and traceability.
As China continues to strengthen regulatory oversight, these elements are playing an increasingly central role in facilitating trade and supporting market access. Participants gained practical insights into current market conditions and key considerations for Canadian businesses seeking to position themselves for sustained engagement in China’s agri-food sector.
Speakers highlighted the current market access conditions for Canadian agri-food exports to China, noting both ongoing challenges and areas of progress. Participants heard firsthand perspectives from Canadian exporters operating on the ground in China, offering practical insight into day-to-day realities and evolving business conditions. The discussion also addressed the near-term outlook for bilateral agri-food trade, with attention to both policy developments and market dynamics.
Speakers:
- Ryan Cossitt, Assistant Deputy Minister, International Engagement – Saskatchewan Government
- Chris Davison, President & Chief Executive Officer, Canola Council of Canada
- David Perez-Des Rosiers, Director, Beijing Chapter, Canada China Business Council
- Chris White, President & CEO, Canadian Meat Advocacy Office (CMAO) & Canada Pork
- Cynthia Xing, Managing Director & Head of Greater China, Public & Government Affairs, Edelman Public Relations Worldwide (China) Co., Ltd.
- Lotta Ygartua, Regional Director, Western Canada, Canada China Business Council
A central theme of the session was the need for companies to proactively prepare for changing regulatory and supply chain requirements. As China continues to strengthen oversight, speakers underscored the growing importance of logistics, financing, compliance, and traceability in supporting market access and long-term competitiveness.
This session was particularly relevant for agri-food producers, exporters, processors, service providers, and organizations seeking to better understand the evolving Canada–China agri-food landscape.
Thank you to the speakers for sharing their expertise and practical insights, and to the Government of Saskatchewan for its valued support as a sponsor of this webinar.
Watch the Webinar Recording
Thank you to our sponsor:
Speakers:
Chris Davison
President & Chief Executive Officer
Canola Council of Canada
Biography
Chris is the President & Chief Executive Officer of the Canola Council of Canada. He is responsible for leading the efforts of the Council’s professional staff and reports to the Council’s Board of Directors.
Chris joined the Council in August 2021 as Vice President, Stakeholder and Industry Relations. Prior to joining the Council, Chris spent nearly 10 years with a global life sciences company serving as Head of Business Sustainability for North America and prior to that Head of Corporate Affairs for Canada.
Chris also spent several years on the consulting side of the agri-food industry working in government and industry relations, corporate communications and public affairs to advance issues and opportunities at the global, regional, national and sub-national levels for a diverse set of clients.
Earlier in his career, Chris worked for the Canadian federal government on animal health, plant health, and food safety related issues in support of Canadian bilateral and multilateral trade relationships.
David Perez-Des Rosiers
Director, Beijing Chapter
Canada China Business Council
Biography
As Director of the Beijing Chapter, David Perez-Des Rosiers is responsible for building the CCBC membership base throughout the region by connecting Canadian and Chinese businesses, promoting Canada-China bilateral trade, organizing events and supporting member service delivery. David has a diverse background with experience in marketing, consulting, research, and as a Parole Officer for the Correctional Service of Canada. David lived in China for five years, studying and working as a consultant for a Food & Beverage group. He was also the Special Representative to Mainland China for the Canada-China Forum, during which he was responsible for member recruitment, building exposure for the organization and creating initiatives in China.
He holds a Ph.D. in Global Studies from Shanghai University, during which he conducted research on Canada-China partnerships in high-tech. He also holds an Msc in Criminology and a BSc in Psychology.
Chris White
President & CEO
Canadian Meat Advocacy Office (CMAO) & Canada Pork
Biography
Christopher White is a Canadian trade and public affairs executive serving as President & CEO of the Canadian Meat Advocacy Office (CMAO) in Beijing and President, Canada Pork.
He advances Canadian agri-food interests through market access, regulatory engagement, and government relations in China and across Asia.
He previously served for eight years as President & CEO of the Canadian Meat Council.
Earlier in his career, he spent 13 years on Parliament Hill, including as Chief of Staff to five federal cabinet ministers and as Senior Advisor to Paul Martin during his tenure as Minister of Finance.
He has also held senior positions in the automotive, finance, and insurance sectors.
He holds a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Windsor and is the father of five children.
Cynthia Xing
Managing Director & Head of Greater China, Public & Government Affairs
Edelman Public Relations Worldwide (China) Co., Ltd.
Biography
Cynthia leads Edelman’s Public & Government Affairs team in Greater China, covering Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. She is an active member of the Canadian Global Executive.
With two decades of experience in government relations, public policy, business advisory, and international cooperation in China, Cynthia has worked with government organizations, industry associations, multinational companies, and think tanks in sectors such as agriculture and biotechnology, food and beverage, FMCG, retail, and e-commerce. Her expertise focuses on strategy development, policy consultancy, corporate reputation management, operational support, and crisis management.
She also has extensive experience in market access, GMO approval, trade agreements and disputes, foreign direct investment and M&A, food safety and nutrition, global supply chain management, sustainability, and domestic market operations and compliance.
Her deep expertise in Chinese politics, government structures, and decision-making processes has provided strategic guidance to numerous clients navigating the complex regulatory and business landscape of Greater China.
Prior to joining Edelman, Cynthia enjoyed a distinguished, nearly 20-year career at Yuan Associates, the industry pioneer in Chinese government relations, where she became the firm’s youngest-ever partner.
Cynthia’s extensive experience extends beyond China, encompassing markets in North America, South America, Asia Pacific, and Europe, where she has guided clients, including Chinese enterprises, through complex regulatory environments amid evolving geopolitical landscapes.
Lotta Ygartua
Regional Director, Western Canada (BC, SK, AB, YT, NT, NU)
Canada China Business Council
Biography
As Regional Director of Western Canada, Lotta Ygartua is responsible for building the CCBC membership base throughout the region by connecting Canadian and Chinese businesses, promoting Canada-China bilateral trade, organizing events and supporting the delivery of member services. Ms. Ygartua has over 10 years of marketing experience in the technology, marketing research, communications and art sectors. Prior to joining CCBC, she was Marketing Manager at the China-Britain Business Council based in the UK, promoting trade and business with China and organizing high-calibre events involving the Chinese Premier and the Prime Minister of Great Britain.
Ms. Ygartua spent several years living in China, where she studied and worked for a local company that developed products for the Chinese market. Ms. Ygartua studied Mandarin at the University of Nanjing and Nanjing Normal University. She holds a BA in Chinese and BSc in Social and Economic Geography from Uppsala University, Sweden.