What the Latest China Engagement Means for Canadian Pulse Growers

From November 2–8, 2025, Pulse Canada Vice Chair Shane Strydhorst, President Greg Cherewyk, Carl Potts, Executive Director of Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, and Quinton Stewart of Bunge and the Pulse Canada/Canadian Pulse and Special Crops Trade Association joined a Canadian delegation participating in the Canada China Business Council’s 2025 Agri-Food Mission to Beijing and Shanghai. While Canadian peas continue to face tariff pressures in China, this mission provided a timely opportunity to reinforce growers’ priorities with government officials, industry associations and leading fractionators.

A Stronger Bilateral Climate

Over the past several months, Canada and China have made visible efforts to rebuild their bilateral relationship, and that shift was evident throughout the Canada China Business Council (CCBC) Forum, AGM and Gala. Both Canadian and Chinese officials spoke more positively than they have in years, setting a clearer stage for engagement. While the 100 percent tariff on Canadian peas remains in place, the diplomatic climate for dispute-resolution discussions has materially improved.

Advancing Grower Priorities

In Beijing, Pulse Canada met one-on-one with Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald to provide an update on the impact tariffs are having on the pea sector and to discuss the path forward. Pulse Canada President Greg Cherewyk then participated in a panel discussion at the CCBC Forum, highlighting the sector’s work in the region and plans for increased growth. The delegation also participated in official meetings in Beijing, held one-on-one discussions with Chinese government agencies including CFNA, met with fractionators in Zhaoyuan, engaged with local buyers and took part in programming at the China International Import Expo (CIIE). These engagements strengthened the visibility of Canadian pulses and allowed us to reinforce the importance of prioritizing a solution to the tariff issue in upcoming negotiations.

What We Heard:

1. Chinese fractionators are under pressure

Inventory levels of Canadian peas are nearing depletion, and companies are increasingly relying on peas from other origins. Fractionators made clear that Canadian peas remain their preferred choice, but the current tariff environment is forcing difficult adjustments.

2. An Invitation to Negotiate

Chinese officials emphasized that the anti-discriminatory tariffs remain tied to broader political issues and that they are waiting for Canada to signal a concrete next step. The indication that Canada is now preparing such a framework represents a positive development.

3. The environment is becoming more constructive

Across CCBC programming, the tone was notably positive, reinforcing the sense that the relationship reset is gaining traction. This improves the environment for conversations about reducing trade barriers in the months ahead.

What This Means for Growers

There are still no changes to market access conditions, and the 100 percent tariff remains in place. However, the combination of three factors — improving diplomatic relations, growing pressure on Chinese fractionators and active engagement from Canadian officials — creates a more favourable context than we have seen in several years.

These signals do not guarantee outcomes, but they matter. They shape the negotiating space, position peas as a logical starting point for progress and ensure that growers’ interests remain central as discussions evolve.

India Progress in Trade Discussions

Recent developments between Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Modi have reopened a pathway for enhanced agri-food trade through a renewed Canada–India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). As outlined in our recent statement, this announcement signals a more stable foundation for advancing pulse trade with one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing markets.

Our Broader Market Diversification Work

While China remains a priority, diversification continues to be an essential part of our market strategy. We are advancing opportunities with global buyers using pulse ingredients, supporting value-added processing and strengthening demand in other export markets to reduce reliance on any single destination. Learn more about our broader market development and food industry engagement here.

What’s Next

We will continue to work closely with CFNA, the Pea Sub-Council and Chinese fractionators as discussions progress. Staff will also maintain engagement with Canadian officials as the proposed framework for China takes shape. In parallel, we will support industry participation in upcoming events in China, including CFNA’s China Pea Conference and other regional meetings planned for 2026.

Pulse Canada will keep growers updated as conditions evolve in both China and India.

As discussions advance in two strategically important markets, we are ensuring that grower priorities remain at the centre of every conversation and that Canada’s pulse industry is positioned for long-term opportunity.