March 7, 2019

China tightens Canadian canola inspections, blocks some shipments

The government of China cancelled the registration of a major Canadian exporter of canola. This registration with the Chinese government is what entitles exporters to ship canola to China.

China's customs administration says it will tighten inspections after customs offices in China found pests such as fungal pathogens in canola imports from Canada.

The assertion is denied by the Canadian government who says that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency conducted investigations.The agency has not identified any pests or bacteria of concern according to Canadian Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau. Canadian plant health experts are working with China to resolve concerns raised as soon as possible.

It is quite likely that the sudden reaction from Chinese authorities is in line with other retaliation actions following the arrest and detention of an executive from Chinese communications giant Huawei. The executive is presently awaiting trial concerning an extradition request from the United States.