More stress for Canadian farmers with China’s canola tariff in effect

The tariff hits just keep on coming. China's 100 per cent tariff on Canadian canola products is now in effect. It's another layer of stress for farmers.

The tariff hits just keep on coming.

China’s 100 per cent tariff on Canadian canola products is now in effect.

It’s another layer of stress in what could be a difficult growing season for farmers.

A canola field in Alberta People ride horses through a canola field near Cremona, Alta., on Tuesday, July 16, 2013. (Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press)

China’s tariff are in response to Canada’s 100 per cent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles.

Canada also put a 25 per cent tariff on Chinese aluminum and steel.

China has also placed a 25 per cent tariff on pork and seafood.

While there’s no U.S. tariff on Canadian canola, the trade uncertainty with Canada’s two biggest trading partners has producers on edge.

“The concern is very high indeed. Just the announcement of tariffs in and of itself introduces a high degree of unpredictability and uncertainty into the marketplace and affects planning and decision making,” said Chris Davison, Canola Council of Canada president and CEO.

“That starts at the farm gate, with the approximately 40,000 Canadian farmers who grow canola every spring.”

The federal government says China’s tariff on Canadian canola is unjustified.

So far, no supports to help Canadian canola farmers have been announced.