Saskatchewan’s leadership is praising a lengthened trade deal between Canada and China. Beijing and Ottawa are extending an agreement signed earlier this year to continue giving China market access to several Canadian goods, including canola meal. In exchange, Canada is giving market access to certain Chinese steel and aluminum products. The two-year extension keeps the deal in place until the end of 2028. It was originally set to expire at the end of this year. It comes as Canada’s trade minister is in China for a series of meetings with officials ahead of a planned visit by the prime minister later this month. “More good trade news today for Saskatchewan’s strong and steady economy,” wrote Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe in a social media post. Peas, lobsters and crab are also among the goods China will receive favourable market access to. ‘Helps so much’ says Sask. trade minister Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding spoke positively about the development Wednesday. “That helps so much in them being able to plan their crop rotations into next year, and I fully expect that it’s going to support industry as well,” Kaeding told reporters following question period. The minister added the province is continuing to advocate for a permanent removal of the tariffs at any opportunity. “Ensure that folks on both sides of the negotiating table understand what tariffs mean to producers and to industry really on both sides of the equation — both producers here and consumers or purchasers in China as well,” he explained. Kaeding credited the province’s trade office in China and the premier’s trip with Prime Minister Carney to the country in January with smoothing relations and opening the door to further trade. “Our premier was the first premier in years to actually make a physical presence in China, and that is definitely recognized and supported,” he explained. “I would say from there, we’ve had some really good engagement, and looking forward to the opportunities that are going to come from this, and I think today we saw that.” APAS approves The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) said it welcomed news of the extension on Wednesday. APAS added the update was shared directly with the agricultural association by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China following a discussion between APAS representatives and Chinese Embassy officials about market access issues. “Access to reliable export markets helps farmers make decisions with greater confidence, whether that’s marketing their crops, planning future production, making investments on the farm, or supporting Saskatchewan’s growing value-added processing sector,” said Bill Prybylski, president of APAS. “Greater certainty benefits the entire agricultural value chain.” APAS added the move represents a positive signal for Saskatchewan’s export-oriented agriculture sector and demonstrates the value of maintaining open dialogue on trade matters. However, APAS still highlighted existing tariffs on Canadian canola seed (combined 14.9 per cent despite the reduced rate) and on canola oil (100 per cent). “This extension is welcome progress, but our goal must remain on the full restoration of market access for Saskatchewan’s agricultural exports,” said Prybylski. “Canola seed and canola oil remain subject to significant tariffs. We need to build on the progress made and continue working toward the removal of these barriers.” With files from Katy Syrota
