Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Minister is hopeful there will be positive developments on canola and yellow pea tariffs following Prime Minister Carney’s state visit to China this week. Carney will be joining Premier Scott Moe, who is already in China for the series of critical meetings.

David Marit spoke to reporters Tuesday morning at the Sask Crops Conference in Saskatoon.

“The Premier was there just a few months ago, really, and to be asked to go back again, my optimism is on the higher end now that there’s going to be some resolve. If not immediate, probably in the very near future. I think for the Prime Minister to be going, they probably think that there’s some end to this,” he explains.

China imposed hefty tariffs on canola seed, canola oil, canola meal and yellow peas last year in retaliation for Canadian tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and steel in 2024.Canola and pea prices have dropped substantially over the past year due to the lack of sales to China.

“I’m sure our Premier is going to be having the full discussion about the canola tariffs and pea tariffs that we’re having, and the importance of the food supply chain and the impact they’re having. Not only here on the producers, but the food that they also need in China.”

Marit would not speculate on whether Canada would have to make concessions on Chinese EV tariffs to reach an agreement on canola and peas. He also admitted to being unsure about the Premier’s role in this week’s discussions.

“I don’t know which meetings the Premier will be in. I know that in talking to the Federal Ag Minister yesterday, Heath did tell me the Premier would be sitting in on some of those meetings.”

China was a major buyer of Canadian canola and peas, and Marit hopes normal trade can resume soon.