Pulse Canada president encouraged by first ministers’ statement

Glacier FarmMedia | MarketsFarm — Pulse Canada president Greg Cherewyk was pleased with the final communique that came out of the first ministers’ conference in Saskatoon on June 2. The statement noted the federal government’s commitment to resolving trade issues with China.

To Cherewyk, a specific paragraph in the first ministers’ communique generated the optimism.

“The federal government committed to working urgently to remove Chinese tariffs on Canadian agriculture and seafood products. First Ministers emphasized the critical importance of regular and ongoing engagement with China at the highest level to improve the overall trade relationship. In the face of ongoing tariffs, they also discussed opportunities to diversify trade and broaden market access for Canadian exporters,” it stated.

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Since March 20, China has maintained its 100 per cent tariffs on its imports from Canada of dry peas, canola oil and meal, plus 25 per cent levies on seafood and pork. China’s move is considered as retaliation for Canada slapping 100 per cent duties on Chinese-made electric vehicles along with 25 per cent surcharges on steel and aluminum.

Canada took the action in concert with the United States and the European Union, although the EU tariff on Chinese EV’s is lower at 35.3 per cent.

“(The) signal coming out that first ministers’ meeting is quite literally the first positive signal we’ve seen since those were announced on March 8,” Cherewyk said.

China began to enforce the levies 12 days later and Cherewyk noted that since then Canada has undergone a federal Liberal leadership race, a new prime minister and cabinet, a federal election, and another new cabinet. He said those delayed Canada from resolving the matter with China.

Cherewyk also pointed to the forthcoming G7 summit from June 15-17 in Kananaskis, Alta. He said Pulse Canada is among agricultural groups pressing Prime Minister Mark Carney to raise the tariff issue at the summit.

The Pulse Canada president said China’s tariffs “need to come down immediately for us to gain access to the market again.” He noted that could come as Canada and China will re-establish government-to-government relations, which includes discussions among high-level officials from both countries.

In lacking that, Cherewyk explained Pulse Canada has been limited to maintaining the trade ties rather than expanding opportunities for Canadian pulses in China.

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