Canada is seeking a 50% rise in exports to China by 2030 as International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu prepares for talks in Beijing and business meetings in Shanghai.
Sidhu said Canadian merchandise exports to China climbed 31.4% in the first half of 2026, reaching $21.5 billion. He said a trade arrangement reached during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s January visit to Beijing represented $7 billion in new opportunities for Canadian businesses.
The Beijing agenda includes a session of the Joint Economic and Trade Commission, co-led by Sidhu and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao. It will be the commission’s first meeting with ministers leading the session, Global Affairs Canada said. The talks are expected to address bilateral trade and areas of shared economic interest.
In Shanghai, Sidhu plans to meet government officials, investors and companies and attend the China International Import Expo. Canada will have guest country status at the major global trade and investment event. Sidhu is expected to discuss commercial opportunities in agriculture and food, energy, clean technology and consumer products.
The Canadian government said the trip builds on Carney’s January visit, when he and Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a strategic partnership. Global Affairs Canada described the visit as part of efforts to broaden Canada’s trade relationships, support businesses operating abroad and create jobs.
China ranks second among individual countries for Canada’s merchandise trade, Global Affairs Canada said. Two-way goods trade reached $125.7 billion in 2025, including $35 billion in Canadian exports and $90.6 billion in imports.
Sidhu’s visit is scheduled to run from Nov. 3-6.
