B.C. food producers relieved as China lowers tariffs on Canadian goods

China will remove tariffs on canola meal, lobsters, crab and peas from March until at least the end of 2026 and reduce tariffs on canola seed to 15%; B.C. producers welcome relief while some products, such as geoducks, remain uncertain.

B.C. farmers and fishers are reacting with relief after China announced it will lower tariffs on several Canadian food exports starting in March. China imposed 25 per cent tariffs in March 2025 after Canada applied a 100 per cent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles in 2024. The change follows Prime Minister Mark Carney's trade mission to China. Local producers say the earlier tariffs reduced prices and sales, and they are awaiting final details. Key points: - Beijing will remove tariffs on canola meal, lobsters, crab and peas from March until at least the end of 2026, according to the Canadian government. - Tariffs on canola seed will be reduced to 15 per cent. - The Canadian government says the change improves market access for about $2.6 billion worth of agricultural goods. - The B.C. Crab Fishermen's Association reported Dungeness crab value fell about 34 per cent and said harvesters lost roughly $25.3 million in the months after tariffs were applied. - Some products, such as geoducks, are not explicitly listed in the preliminary agreement and their inclusion is unclear. - Industry representatives expressed relief but also frustration that high tariffs had been applied in the first place. Summary: The announced tariff changes are expected to ease export conditions for many B.C. food producers and could improve market access for affected goods. Final details on which additional products are included and how the arrangement will be implemented are undetermined at this time.