Ottawa (Rural Roots Canada) – Prime Minister Mark Carney is heading to China next week in a bid to strengthen trade, energy, and agricultural relations as Canada continues to expand global partnerships while reducing its economic dependence on the United States.
The January 13-17 trip will include meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and senior government and business leaders. It will be the first visit to China by a Canadian prime minister since 2017.
Agriculture is expected to be one of the key topics of discussion, with canola likely to be front and center. Last March, China slapped retaliatory tariffs on Canadian canola and other agricultural products in response to trade restrictions imposed by Canada in 2024. The tariffs were in response to Canada’s decision to impose duties on Chinese-made electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum products. The retaliatory tariffs included a 100% duty on Canadian canola oil and canola meal. In August, China announced a preliminary anti-dumping duty of 75.8% on canola seed.
In October, China’s ambassador to Canada indicated his country would drop its tariffs on Canadian agriculture if Canada removes its tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles.
READ MORE: Strong Yields, Trade Pressures Define 2025 for Canola Growers
“At a time of global trade disruption, Canada is focused on building a more competitive, sustainable, and independent economy,” Carney said in a statement. “We’re forging new partnerships around the world to transform our economy from one that has been reliant on a single trade partner to one that is stronger and more resilient to global shocks.”
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe commented on social media, welcoming the visit to China.
“Good to see PM Mark Carney will be in China next week, advancing trade relations,” said Moe. “Hope to see progress on advancing market access for canola and other Canadian products.”
Moe added that if Canada is truly serious about securing, diversifying, and expanding Canadian markets around the world, China is a country we should engage with “in a serious way.”
China is already Canada’s second-largest single-country trading partner, with two-way merchandise trade reaching $118.7 billion in 2024 — including nearly $30 billion in Canadian exports.
Following his visit to China, Carney will attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, from January 19 to 21, where he plans to promote Canada’s strengths in agriculture, energy, and advanced technology to global investors.
Photo Credit: Lars Hagberg, Prime Minister’s Office
