Chinese President Xi Jinping and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have agreed to lower tariffs, marking a reset in relations after a key meeting in Beijing.
China will cut tariffs on Canadian canola oil from 85% to 15% by March 1. In return, Canada will lower tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles to 6.1%, though imports will be capped to protect Canadian automakers.
The deal follows years of tense relations and retaliatory trade measures. Xi called the agreement a “turnaround,” while the move is a major win for Carney, the first Canadian leader to visit China in nearly 10 years.
Carney said the agreement supports Canada’s goal of reducing its reliance on the United States, especially after uncertainty caused by U.S. tariffs under former president Donald Trump.
China will also reduce tariffs on Canadian seafood and peas, helping Canadian exporters. Canada and China signed additional agreements on energy and trade during the visit.
Carney said Canada will work with China where possible but still has concerns over human rights, election interference, and security issues. He stressed that the two countries have different systems and values.
The visit is seen as a cautious but important step toward improving ties between Canada and China after years of strained relations.
