March 13, 2025
After the announcement that the Chinese government has decided to place a tariff of 100% on Canadian dry peas, we take a look at the trade quantities affected and speak to experts to find out what might happen next.
China imported approximately 60% of its yellow peas from Canada and around 35% from Russia in 2023.
On 8 March, China announced that it will place a tariff of 100% on Canadian pea imports, set to come into effect on March 20. The new duty will make exports to China unviable, leaving both China and Canada in need of new trade partners for dry peas.
Speaking earlier this week, President and CEO of Pulse Canada, Greg Cherewyk, asked the Canadian government to take action: "Pulse Canada calls on the Canadian government to immediately engage with China to bring about a swift resolution to these matters. It is in the best interest of both nations to recognise the positive contributions of agriculture and food to our economic well-being."
India is a possibility as an alternative market – as it was in 2024 – but despite the extension of the duty-free window for yellow pea imports into India, the window currently closes on May 31, long before Canadian new crop will be available.
After Ukraine recently received permission to import peas into China, they may take up some of the market share left on the table in Canada’s absence.
Pulse Atlas - Origins of yellow peas imported by China in 2023.
Disclaimer: The opinions or views expressed in this publication are those of the authors or quoted persons. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the Global Pulse Confederation or its members.
