Alberta Calls on Ottawa to Address Devastating Chinese Canola Tariffs

Urgent Action Required: Alberta Calls on Ottawa to Address Devastating Chinese Canola Tariffs

The Government of Alberta is demanding immediate action from the federal government to address the crippling tariffs imposed by China on Alberta's canola exports. The latest tariff hike of 75.8% on top of the existing 100% tariffs has dealt a severe blow to Alberta's agricultural sector, threatening to shut out local producers from one of their most valuable markets.

As China's second-largest agricultural export market, worth $2.4 billion in 2022, and the recipient of nearly 70% of Alberta's canola seed exports, the impact of these tariffs cannot be overstated. The livelihoods of Alberta's farmers, ranchers, and processors are at stake, and swift federal action is required to resolve this dispute and restore market access.

Regrettably, these tariffs are a direct response to the federal government's imposition of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum. Alberta's agricultural community is unfairly bearing the brunt of this dispute, and it is imperative that the federal government takes immediate action to mitigate the damage.

The Government of Alberta will continue to advocate for the interests of our western producers and calls on Ottawa to do the same. We urge the federal government to take all necessary steps to resolve this dispute and restore Alberta's canola exports to China.

In the meantime, Alberta's Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, RJ Sigurdson, has issued a statement outlining the severity of the situation and the need for prompt federal action. Read the full response here: https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=93756412FFE0C-E7AE-4BCC-3BB5262F40FC9AD9.

Time is of the essence, and Alberta's farmers, ranchers, and processors are counting on the federal government to take decisive action to protect their livelihoods.

Premier Smith