Ottawa (Rural Roots Canada) – As Canada continues to look outward for new trade opportunities, federal agriculture minister Heath MacDonald is visiting China this week to strengthen agricultural ties with one of our largest agricultural exporters.

MacDonald will visit Shanghai, Beijing, and Qingdao as part of a trade mission aimed at deepening agricultural collaboration between the two countries, despite some tariff turbulence involving Chinese-made electric vehicles and Canada’s canola sector.

The visit underscores the importance of China as a market for Canadian farmers, ranchers, and food processors. In 2024, China ranked as Canada’s second-largest global destination for food and seafood exports, and the largest within the Indo-Pacific region.

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During the week-long visit, MacDonald is expected to meet with senior Chinese government officials, Canadian and Chinese business leaders, and a range of agri-food stakeholders. The goal, according to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, is to promote Canada’s high-quality agricultural products while addressing ongoing trade challenges and identifying new opportunities for collaboration.

“Canada’s hard-working farmers and processors provide world-class food to Canadians and the world, and China remains a top export market,” said MacDonald in a statement. “This mission provides an opportunity to address challenges and promote Canada’s high-quality agricultural products.”

The trade mission comes at a time when global agricultural trade is being shaped by shifting alliances and growing demand across Asia. It also follows through on a commitment made earlier this year by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese Premier Li Qiang to establish more regular, constructive channels of communication between the two countries.