Vast majority of agri-businesses think Canada should strengthen trade outside of China, U.S.

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New data from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business says 88% of Canadian agri-businesses think the country should strengthen trade ties with other countries besides China and the United States.

With China’s retaliatory tariffs on Canadian agricultural and seafood products affecting about a third (36%) of Canadian agricultural businesses, with nearly one in four (23%) taking a direct hit, the CFIB is calling on the federal government to take urgent action to push back against this unfair treatment.

“While the focus has been on the U.S. tariff battle, Canadian agri-businesses have been even more deeply harmed by China’s tariffs on canola oil, canola meal and peas, as well as certain pork, fish and seafood products,” Juliette Nicolaÿ, a CFIB policy analyst, said in a statement.

“These producers need greater attention and support. While about one in four agri-businesses have taken steps to mitigate tariff impacts, only 10% of agri-businesses say that governments have done enough to support affected firms.”

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The organization sent a letter to Ottawa, urging it to reduce the tax and regulatory burden on agri-business, ensure support programs properly address the scope of the current challenges and assist agri-businesses in navigating new markets.

“Both the U.S. and China represent significant markets for agri-businesses,” CFIB’s Vice-President of National Affairs Jasmin Guénette said in a statement.

“Combined, these two countries represent more than half of Canada’s canola exports. China is Canada’s second largest fish and seafood export market. As a result of the trade disruptions, our agri-businesses risk having unsold inventory and some are already losing foreign buyers. They need clarity on how to move forward and plan their operations. The government needs to turn its focus to supporting the agriculture industry and adopting policies to improve the business climate.”

The survey was launched April 10 and is ongoing. The results as of April 21 were based on 2,021 CFIB member responses with a probability sample having a margin of error of ±2.2%, 19 times out of 20.