Statement from CCBC on China’s Counter-Tariffs on Canadian Agricultural and Food Products

TORONTO, ON (March 11, 2025) – The People’s Republic of China has announced plans to impose a 100% tariff on Canadian rapeseed oil, oilcake, and peas, as well as a 25% tariff on pork and aquatic products. According to the official announcement, these measures, scheduled to take effect on March 20, 2025, are a response to Canada’s tariffs imposed in October 2024 on Chinese-made electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum products.

CCBC’s initial assessment indicates that these counter-tariffs will have a multi-billion-dollar impact on Canadian exports to China, significantly affecting Western Canada’s agricultural sector and the Atlantic provinces’ seafood industry.

CCBC firmly believes that tariffs and countermeasures ultimately harm businesses on both sides, drive up consumer costs, and hinder economic and trade growth. We strongly urge both governments to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve disputes and strengthen bilateral business ties.

In an era of increasing trade and economic uncertainty, it is essential for Canada to prioritize trade diversification and expand economic engagement across the Asia-Pacific region, including with China, our second-largest trading partner. Strengthening these trade relationships is critical to advancing Canada’s national economic interests and ensuring long-term prosperity for Canadian businesses and workers.

CCBC remains committed to supporting Canadian businesses through these challenges and advocating for policies that foster stable, mutually beneficial bilateral trade relations.

Founded in 1978, CCBC has been the leading voice of Canadian businesses in China for over 45 years, providing the knowledge and connections needed to succeed in China and Canada. In addition to its focused and practical services, CCBC is the voice of the Canadian business community on issues affecting Canada-China business, trade, and investment. Along with its corporate head office in Toronto, CCBC has chapters in Ontario, Quebec, the Atlantic region, British Columbia, the Prairies, Beijing, and Shanghai. CCBC’s network of staff offers programs and services in both Canada and China, and introduces members to opportunities in China’s emerging markets. CCBC also operates a Chamber of Commerce in Beijing, offering a range of events and broad networking opportunities at the local level. For more information, please visit: www.ccbc.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Alyssa Dalton
Director of Communications
Canada China Business Council
communications@ccbc.com