Grain Farmers of Ontario Hopeful for a Quick Resolution to China-US Trade Dispute

GUELPH, ON (April 5, 2018) – Grain Farmers of Ontario, the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmers, is suggesting that although a trade dispute between China and the United States may offer some opportunities for Canadian soybeans given U.S. sanctions, ultimately the dispute could have a negative impact on the Canadian soybean industry.

The proposed Chinese tariff on U.S. soybeans of 25 percent could impact Ontario grain farmers through increased competition in global markets and an increased volume of soybeans coming into Canada.

“Any disruption in trade is potentially negative for Canada,” said Markus Haerle, Chair, Grain Farmers of Ontario. “We are hopeful that all parties will continue to work toward a solution. Although there is no way to be sure what the outcome of the dispute will be, this kind of uncertainty will not benefit anyone long term.”

As of 2016, the United States was shipping at least 35 million tons of soybeans to China, while Canada ships closer to two million tons each year.

“Our production in Canada is not large enough to fill this type of demand, and any opportunities that increased Chinese demand might have are offset by the possibility of an influx of U.S. soybeans into Canadian markets, including Ontario,” said Haerle.

Grain Farmers of Ontario continues to watch trade negotiations and urges the Canadian government to continue its own talks with China. In January of this year, the Canadian government successfully negotiated Canada’s inclusion in the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) with 10 other countries across the Pacific region.

Grain Farmers of Ontario

Grain Farmers of Ontario is the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean and wheat farmers. The crops they grow cover 6 million acres of farm land across the province, generate over $2.5 billion in farm gate receipts, result in over $9 billion in economic output and are responsible for over 40,000 jobs in the province.

Contact:

Victoria Berry, Manager, Communications – (226) 820-6641; vberry@gfo.ca

Markus Haerle, Chair – 613-229-8336; marhaerle@gmail.com