The announcement of a Chinese anti-dumping probe into Canadian canola illustrates the rapid shift to a less friendly global trade environment – one that Canadian agri-food policy needs to quickly adapt, according to an Ontario-based economic research organization.
An Independent Agri-Food Policy Note released Monday by Agri-Food Economic Systems contends the anti-dumping investigation is a clear indicator of a changing international trade policy environment, where Canadian agri-food is exposed.
“Canada needs a rapid pivot to anticipate a future of adverse effects from large countries’ industrial policies, and a less friendly international trade environment, not readily contained by the rules-based system. But Canada still needs the rules-based system that shields smaller economies from geopolitical intimidation”, said Al Mussell, Agri-Food Economic Systems Research Lead and co-author of the paper.
“We need a mixed strategy- with our own industrial policies, new trade alliances, but also supporting the system of trade rules we have now.”
To help understand the context for China’s anti-dumping action on Canadian canola, the policy note reviews geopolitical developments, the essential components of the global rules-based trading system, and identifies where gaps have opened.
Ted Bilyea, Agri-Food Economic Systems Research Associate and co-author of the paper, said it is likely that Canada will face more trade actions against agri-food in the future- and in relation to other matters that have little or nothing to do with agri-food.
The Policy Note can be accessed at www.agrifoodecon.ca
