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Our Statement on China’s Agri-Food Tariffs
Our Statement on China’s Agri-Food Tariffs
Unfortunately, our agri-food industry now finds itself in a war on two fronts, which it cannot sustain without concerted government support.
The Canadian agri-food industry is bracing for two simultaneous trade wars, which will cause widespread job losses across Canada. In response to Canada’s alignment with the U.S. application of tariffs last summer on China’s non-market practices, China chose to impose tariffs on canola oil, canola meal, peas, aquatic products and pork imports from Canada, effective March 20. These measures are punitive and will devastate Canadian agri-food jobs and economic activity, at a time when we can least afford it. When Canada chose to support its U.S. ally on this, the Canadian Chamber said the country would need to be prepared to support producers penalized by targeted retaliation from China.
Unfortunately, our agri-food industry now finds itself in a war on two fronts, which it cannot sustain without concerted government support. This support should include investment in transportation infrastructure to facilitate export diversification to new markets, while also reducing the tax and regulatory burdens on producers.
Our agri-food sector contributes $150 billion to our GDP each year and accounts for 1 in 9 jobs in Canada. The industry is central to our national economic and security interests at home, and is the backbone of thousands of communities across our country. We call on the federal government to support affected producers and work with American and Chinese counterparts toward a resolution.
- Candace Laing, President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
About the Canadian Chamber of Commerce — The Future of Business Success
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is Canada’s largest and most activated business network — representing over 400 chambers of commerce and boards of trade and more than 200,000 business of all sizes, from all sectors of the economy and from every part of the country — working to create the conditions for our collective success. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the undisputed champion and catalyst for the future of business success. From working with government on economy-friendly policy to providing services that inform commerce and enable trade, we give each of our members more of what they need to succeed: insight into markets, competitors and trends, influence over the decisions and policies that drive business success, and impact on business and economic performance.
Media Contact
Shane Mackenzie
Vice President, Media and Stakeholder Communications
613.302.7683
smackenzie@chamber.ca
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