The Canola Council of Canada estimates the national economy has lost about $1 billion due to market access issues with China.

The Chinese government suspended the canola export seed licenses for Richardson and Viterra in March. Since then, canola prices have fallen approximately ten percent.

The Canadian Meat Council says suspended shipments of beef and pork to China have cost almost $100 million since they were imposed on June 25.

The Meat Council says China’s concerns are rooted in politics, not quality. With a federal election campaign beginning soon, it wants all parties to explain how they intend to remedy the situation, as well as creating more export options.

Canada is attempting to address the canola situation through the World Trade Organization (WTO). The first step in a lengthy process occurred on Friday when Canada issued a formal request for canola consultations with China. Attempts at holding higher bi-lateral negotiations have been unsuccessful.

The Chinese claim “quality issues” as the reason for its decision, but have not provided any scientific information to back its position.

“China has an obligation to explain the scientific basis for its actions as part of its commitments to WTO rules,” said Jim Everson, president of the Canola Council of Canada.

A small sign of progress occurred earlier this week when Dominic Barton was appointed as Canada’s new ambassador to China. The post had been vacant for eight months amid political tensions between the two nations. Those started in December when a senior Huawei executive was detained in Vancouver at the request of the U.S. government. Meng Wanzhou is currently involved in a lengthy extradition process. The Chinese government is insisting that Canada allow her to return home