Statement from ZUBAIR CHOUDHRY
President & CEO, RPA Canada
On the Canada–China Trade Understanding Announced During Prime Minister Carney’s Visit to China
RPA Canada welcomes the announcement of a preliminary but landmark trade understanding reached during the visit of Mark Carney to China. This development represents an important step toward renewing and stabilizing Canada–China relations at a time when global trade is under significant strain from rising protectionism and tariff barriers.
From the perspective of Canada’s professional accounting and small-business community, this agreement signals a pragmatic and forward-looking approach to international trade. The framework balancing electric vehicle market access with agricultural tariff relief demonstrates how strategic negotiation can protect domestic interests while opening new commercial pathways.
Allowing up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles annually at a reduced tariff rate of 6.1%, compared to the previous 100%, offers Canadian consumers and businesses greater choice while encouraging competition, innovation, and affordability in the clean-technology and transportation sectors. At the same time, China’s commitment to substantially reduce or eliminate duties on key Canadian agricultural exports, particularly the reduction of canola seed tariffs from as high as 84% to approximately 15% by March 1, represents enormous progress for Canadian farmers and agri-businesses who have faced prolonged market uncertainty.
Equally important is Prime Minister Carney’s framing of this agreement as the beginning of a broader strategic partnership one that extends beyond trade to include tourism, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connectivity, including China’s commitment to visa-free travel for Canadians. These measures will directly benefit Canadian SMEs, professionals, and service providers by improving mobility, trust, and long-term commercial relationships.
In a global environment shaped by escalating U.S. tariff pressures and geopolitical realignments, RPA Canada views this renewed Canada–China engagement as a necessary diversification strategy strengthening Canada’s economic resilience while creating new opportunities for exporters, investors, and professional service firms.
RPA Canada supports continued, transparent, and rules-based engagement between Canada and China, grounded in mutual respect and economic benefit. We look forward to working with policymakers, businesses, and international partners to ensure that Canadian SMEs, accountants, and entrepreneurs are well-positioned to navigate and benefit from this new chapter in Canada–China economic cooperation.
