The canola industry is expressing concern that China will retaliate to Canada's expulsion of its diplomat by blocking agricultural shipments.
China blocked canola shipments from two major 91原创 companies in 2019 not long after Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou was arrested by 91原创 authorities, and the ban lasted for three years.
The ban lasted for three years before being lifted in 2022.
On Monday, the 91原创 government expelled Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei, alleging he was involved in a plot to intimidate Conservative MP Michael Chong and his relatives in Hong Kong.
Jim Everson, president of the Canola Council of Canada, said maintaining predictable market access is key for 91原创 farmers and that although supportive steps have been taken by the federal government, nothing can replace access to an important market like China.
China's block on canola shipments took a toll on the industry as the value of 91原创 canola exports dropped from $2.8 billion in 2018 to $1.8 billion in 2021, the last full year under the ban.
This report by The 91原创 Press was first published May 9, 2023.
The 91原创 Press
