Chinese seeking relief on EVs before lifting canola tariffs

By Trevor Busch
Taber Times
editor@tabertimes.com

As ongoing Chinese tariffs continue to devastate Canada’s canola industry, there doesn’t appear to be much light at the end of the tunnel recently for hard-pressed producers being squeezed between Ottawa’s perceived indifference and Beijing’s intransigence. 

Chinese tariffs on canola seed (75.8 per cent), oil and meal (100 per cent) – considered to be retaliation for Canada’s 100 per cent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) – have created major uncertainty for Canadian producers throughout 2025.

“The Chinese representative has said get rid of the EV tariffs, and we’ll get rid of the canola tariffs,” said Taber-Warner MLA Grant Hunter. “And I think it’s great idea – let’s get rid of the EV tariffs.”

Industry groups have expressed disappointment with the federal government’s support measures and are urging stronger action to resolve the trade dispute with China and reopen the market.

“This really has disproportionately affected Western Canada, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, parts of BC,” said Hunter. “So who did it (EV tariff) really benefit? The East, and Ontario. So when we talk about Team Canada, let’s take a look at the whole team Canada. We can’t pick winners and losers – that’s not Team Canada. It’s about being able to do what’s best for everybody.” 

A potential trade deal has been mentioned by the Chinese ambassador in October, suggesting that tariffs could be lifted if Canada removes its own tariffs on Chinese EVs. 

Hunter believes if Ontario’s fledgling EV industry can’t stand on its own it should be left to the market to decide instead of putting Western canola farmers in the crosshairs. 

“In this situation, if the EV industry in Ontario can’t compete globally, then why are we in that business? We can compete on canola globally, but we’re being punished for an industry that needs to have protective tariffs in order to be able to survive. So that’s the way that I look at it. I think it’s pretty cut and dry – simple phase – and I’d love to see the federal government make the right decision on this.”