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China stops all canola seed exports from Canada

While there was some initial optimism that Chinese concerns with canola trade could be resolved quickly, technical discussions to date have not indicated an immediate resolution is possible. Canola seed exporters report that Chinese importers are unwilling to purchase Canadian canola seed at this time.

“We’re disappointed that differing viewpoints cannot be resolved quickly,” said Jim Everson, president of the Canola Council of Canada, in a press release. “Under the circumstances, Canadian canola seed exporters who normally ship to China have no alternative but to supply customers in other countries who value high quality Canadian canola.”

China has been a major market for Canadian canola, accounting for approximately 40 per cent of all canola seed, oil and meal exports. Canola seed exports to China were worth $2.7 billion in 2018. Demand has been very strong until recent disruptions.

“Canadian ministers and government officials have responded quickly to Chinese concerns, however, technical discussions are unlikely to lead to an immediate resolution,” Everson said. “We urge the Government of Canada to continue to intensify efforts to resolve the situation.”

The Canadian canola industry makes every effort to meet the requirements of customers and their governments around the world. From seed developers, growers, processors and exporters, all segments of the value chain coordinate to ensure consistent and high quality canola.

“Canadian canola is of the highest quality because of our world-class quality assurance systems,” says Everson. “We have a long-standing history of delivering on quality and reliability. We will continue to provide our customers with high quality canola and promote stable trade based on science.”