Officials say Canada unlikely to get Chinese tariffs dropped but can expect progress

Abigail Bimman breaks down Prime Minister Mark Carney's trip to China this week and what Canadians can expect as the country looks to diversify trade.

OTTAWA — Federal officials briefing reporters ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to China say there might be relief coming soon on Chinese tariffs, but not a total end to the dispute with Beijing.

Carney is scheduled to leave Tuesday for a three-day visit to Beijing — the first by a sitting prime minister in more than eight years.

Over the last two years, Canada has imposed a 100 per cent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles and a 25 per cent import tax on Chinese steel and aluminum.

China responded by hitting Canada with a 100 per cent tariff on canola oil in March, followed by a levy of almost 76 per cent on canola seed in August.

China also imposed a 25 per cent levy on Canadian pork and seafood.

Some premiers and industry groups want Ottawa to get these tariffs dropped, while Ontario Premier Doug, the auto sector and China experts have cautioned against allowing Chinese vehicles into Canada.

Dylan Robertson, The Canadian Press