Canada will be shipping a lot of peas to China when tariffs come off the crop on March 1.
Jeff English, Vice-President of Public Affairs with Pulse Canada, says a ship is currently en route to China and is expected to arrive on March 1.
It take two to three weeks for a vessel to make the journey across the Pacific Ocean.
"We're working pretty closely here with Canadian industry, with our own government, with our customers in China to ensure that everyone's on the same understanding. The last thing we want is anybody to get caught by surprise." he said.
While the pea tariff to China will be reduced to zero the beginning of March, it will expire at the end of 2026. English says a Pulse Canada priority will be to get that extended or made permanent.
"We do know there are some key meetings that'll be coming up later in the fall. I believe China's once again the host of the APEC meetings, and therefore we would expect our prime minister to be in that market in November, around a time where you might expect a decision to be made." he said.
"And I know that there's diplomacy, there's politics that's going to be involved on that, but our role as Pulse Canada is what role is there for industry to ensure that trade is flowing smoothly and effectively, that we're seen as a steady supplier in that market, that our customers are advocating within China for continued use of Canadian product, and that's where we're focused."
English made his comments at the Sask Pulse Growers regional meeting in Saskatoon on Tuesday.
Last month, Canada and China agreed to reduce tariffs imposed on each other. China dropped tariffs on canola seed to 15 per cent, effective March 1, and committed to removing tariffs on canola meal, pork, and seafood, from March 1 to the end of 2026. In exchange, Canada agreed to allow a quota of 49 thousand Chinese electric vehicles per year at a discounted tariff rate of 6.1 per cent and to reduce tariffs on certain Chinese steel and aluminum products.
(With files from Neil Billinger, CJWW)
