The Canola Council of Canada and Lawrence MacAulay, minister of agriculture and agri-food, have issued statements in response to China’s announcement of a one-year anti-dumping investigation into imports of canola from Canada.

The inquiry will examine imports from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2023, China’s commerce ministry said in a statement, adding that preliminary evidence and information showed dumping of the oilseed had taken place. The announcement from China comes just weeks before Ottawa’s 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and other products take effect.

“[China’s Ministry of Commerce] MOFCOM has indicated that the investigation is self-initiated by the Ministry and is not at the request of domestic industry. Additionally, MOFCOM has identified a number of exporters which are in-scope for the investigation,” the Canola Council of Canada states in a press release.

“We are engaged and in close communication with government officials regarding the implications of the investigation and Canada’s participation and response to it, including the need for a coordinated approach and support for the Canadian canola industry,” said Chris Davison, president and CEO, in the release, noting that this is the first step of the investigation and ongoing assessment will be required to determine the various impacts on Canadian canola. “The CCC reiterates the view that Canada’s canola trade with China is aligned with and supports rules-based trade, fair market access and competitiveness of Canadian canola in this important market.”

MacAulay expressed the Canadian government’s allegiance to Canadian canola producers in a press release.

“We remain committed to ensuring fair market access for our exporters, farmers, and producers. I am monitoring these developments closely and I will continue to engage with provincial and territorial partners and industry stakeholders moving forward,” he stated.

“Canola is one of our most valuable agricultural exports and an important driver of the Canadian economy. As Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, I will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with producers and defend the sector every step of the way.”

Source: Top Crop Manager