The two-year extension secures favourable market access for Canadian lobster and crab exporters, providing greater stability for seafood producers and processors.
Canada and China have agreed to extend their trade arrangement for another two years, preserving favourable market access for Canadian seafood exports, including lobster and crab, until the end of 2028. Announced on November 4, 2026, the extension is expected to provide greater certainty for Canadian seafood harvesters, processors and exporters supplying the Chinese market.
The agreement was confirmed by Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, following the Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETC) meeting in Beijing, which he co-chaired with China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao. The extension continues measures introduced under the Preliminary Joint Arrangement on Addressing Bilateral Economic and Trade Issues, established during Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to China in January 2026.
Under the extended arrangement, China will maintain favourable market access for Canadian canola meal, peas, lobster and crab. These measures include tariff relief that was introduced earlier in 2026. In return, Canada will continue remission measures through 2028 for certain Chinese steel and aluminium products that are not manufactured domestically.
The extension is particularly significant for Canada’s lobster and crab industries, which depend on international markets for a substantial share of their sales. Maintaining access to China allows seafood businesses to plan harvesting, processing, shipping and export operations with greater confidence. Canada’s Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson welcomed the decision, highlighting the importance of Chinese buyers for coastal fishing communities and seafood exporters.
China is one of Canada’s largest seafood export destinations. Between 2022 and 2025, Canada exported an average of approximately CAD 1.3 billion worth of fish and seafood to China annually. Major products include lobster, shrimp and crab, alongside other seafood such as redfish, clams, geoduck and sea cucumber. The market therefore represents an important source of business for Canadian harvesters and processors.
For the seafood processing industry, continued access to the Chinese market could support production planning, international distribution and long-term commercial partnerships. The agreement also provides greater predictability for businesses involved in harvesting, cold-chain transportation, packaging and seafood exports. Canada and China are expected to continue discussions on opportunities to expand market access for additional seafood products.
The two-year extension marks an important development in Canada-China trade relations and provides a more stable framework for Canadian seafood exporters through 2028. By maintaining favourable access for key seafood products, the arrangement is expected to support export activity and create continued opportunities across Canada’s fisheries and seafood supply chain.