‘It was about time’: Saskatchewan producers welcome Canada-China deal

Saskatchewan producers are sharing their thoughts on the Canada-China deal that will bring some relief to critical agriculture products in the province.

Saskatchewan producers are welcoming Canada’s new trade deal with China, saying it’s likely to provide some relief for the province’s agriculture industry.

Farmers in Saskatchewan woke to the news that the federal government reached a deal with Bejing early Friday morning to slash tariffs on a number of Chinese electric vehicles in exchange for China dropping duties on agriculture products.

China will lower tariffs on Canadian canola seed to a combined rate of approximately 15 per cent from 84 per cent by March 1.

Canada also expects canola meal, lobsters, crabs and peas to no longer be subject to Chinese “anti-discrimination” tariffs from March to at least the end of the year.

Canada imposed a 100 per cent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles and a 25 per cent import tax on steel and aluminum over the last two years.

Last year, China responded by hitting Canada with a 100 per cent tariff on various agricultural products, including canola oil and peas, plus a 25 per cent levy on pork and seafood products. The country has also imposed a 76 per cent tariff on Canadian canola seed, though the prime minister’s office said that figure was closer to 84 per cent when combined with other duties in place.

Bill Prybylski, the president of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan, said the deal is a “good start” for growers.

“From a producer’s perspective, this is just positive news,” said Prybylski, adding the deal comes at an ideal time for farmers looking to get an idea of how much to plant this spring.