CANADA’S PULSE INDUSTRY CALLS FOR SWIFT RESOLUTION TO THE IMPOSITION OF CHINESE TARIFFS

March 8, 2025 – Winnipeg, MB – Yesterday, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced the results of its anti-discrimination investigation into Canada for imposing a 100% tariff on EVs and an additional 25% tariff on steel and aluminum products imported from China. As a result of this investigation the State Council Tariff Commission will impose an additional 100% tariff on Canadian peas, canola oil and canola meal as well as an additional 25% tariff on Canadian pork and seafood.

“China is one of Canada’s largest markets for yellow peas; a market that Canadian farmers and exporters have been serving since the mid 1990’s,” said Terry Youzwa, Chair of Pulse Canada. “The Canadian industry values this long-standing and mutually beneficial partnership. We know Chinese customers prefer Canadian peas and want to continue to deal with Canadian suppliers.”

In 2024, Canada exported roughly 500,000 metric tonnes of yellow peas valued at over $306M. The 5-year average for yellow pea exports is over 1,500,000 metric tonnes valued at more than $740M annually. China has recently emerged as the largest market for Canadian peas in 2017 as India reduced its imports of yellow peas.

“We believe that the tariffs announced today on Canadian peas, canola, pork and seafood represent an invitation to negotiate, not a retaliation nor the start of the trade war,” said Greg Cherewyk, President of Pulse Canada. “Pulse Canada calls on the Canadian Government to immediately engage with China to bring about a swift resolution to these matters. It’s in the best interest of both nations to recognize the positive contributions of agriculture and food to our economic wellbeing.”

Pulse Canada is working with government and industry partners in Canada and China to encourage an urgent meeting of officials and ultimately a successful resolution of issues before there’s an impact on pulse trade.

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For more information, media may contact:

Jeff English
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Pulse Canada
204-960-1622
jenglish@pulsecanada.com