Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney just wrapped up his first visit to the Chinese mainland in eight years, and the results? Nothing short of a reboot of bilateral ties 🚀.
Trade has always been the backbone of Canada–Chinese mainland relations. Official data show that in 2024, the Chinese mainland was Canada's second-largest trading partner, and also the second-biggest source of imports and export market, right behind the United States.
But politics got in the way under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, with Canada aligning more closely with Washington and slapping 100% tariffs on electric vehicles from the Chinese mainland. This time, Canada agreed to slash that tariff to 6.1% and cap imports at 49,000 EVs a year (that cap rises to 70,000 over the next five years) 🚗⚡.
On the flip side, the Chinese mainland plans to roll out friendlier tariffs on Canadian agricultural products, like canola, by March 1, 2026 🌾. That means cheaper Canadian exports and more stability for farmers on both sides.
The highlight? The signing of the China-Canada Economic and Trade Cooperation Roadmap. It upgrades the Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETC) to ministerial level and brings back working-group talks on issues like intellectual property and trade remedies.
The roadmap covers eight key areas—from agriculture and food security to green trade and e-commerce—and lays out 28 cooperative projects in sectors such as energy, consumer goods, SMEs, and new materials. Pretty ambitious, right?
Both sides also agreed to team up in global forums. They are backing a rules-based World Trade Organization and will work together in the APEC mechanism, including Canada's support for the Chinese mainland hosting the 2026 APEC Leaders' Meeting 🌐.
“Historic and productive,” Carney said of his trip. He stressed that in a fast-changing world—especially in tech and the energy transition—Canada needs to move quickly, find new partners, and focus on where interests align.
Looking ahead, officials on both sides are calling this a new “strategic partnership.” So, get ready for a fresh chapter in Canada–Chinese mainland relations, full of trade, tech, and teamwork 🌟.
Reference(s):
Reporter's notebook: China, Canada to forge new strategic partnership
cgtn.com
