Today, the Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, announced that Canada and China have agreed to a two-year extension until the end of 2028 of the favourable market access provided under the Preliminary Joint Arrangement for Canadian canola meal, peas, lobsters and crab.
The extension was agreed to at the Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETC) meeting in Beijing, which Minister Sidhu co-led with China's Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao. This is the first time the JETC has been held at the ministerial level.
These measures were first introduced under the Preliminary Joint Arrangement on Addressing Bilateral Economic and Trade Issues, announced during Prime Minister Carney's visit to Beijing in January 2026. The arrangement addressed restored market access for key Canadian agriculture, agri-food and seafood products.
This extension will give Canadian farmers, seafood harvesters and exporters greater certainty and predictability, while supporting increased Canadian exports to China. In January 2026, following the Prime Minister's visit, China also restored market access for Canadian beef.
Canada will extend to the end of 2028 previous remission measures covered by the original Preliminary Joint Arrangement for certain Chinese steel and aluminum products not made in Canada.
Canada will continue discussions with China to identify opportunities to deliver on the government's target of increasing Canadian exports by 50% to China.
Stable, predictable access to one of Canada's largest trading partners is a key part of Canada's plan to diversify its trade, open new markets for Canadian businesses and build a stronger, more resilient economy.
