Canada's China Trade Is Growing. Ottawa Wants Even More.
Canadian exports to China are climbing, and Ottawa wants to turn that momentum into something bigger. After merchandise exports grew 31.4% in the first half of 2026, reaching $21.5 billion, Canada's trade minister is heading to China with an ambitious target: grow exports by 50% by 2030.
Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu will visit China from November 3 to 6, 2026, to promote Canadian businesses, diversify trade partnerships and create jobs. Global Affairs Canada announced the trip on November 2, describing it as a follow-up to Prime Minister Mark Carney's January 2026 visit to Beijing.
Beijing: A First at the Ministerial Level
One of the biggest stops will be a meeting that marks a first in Canada-China trade relations.
In Beijing, Sidhu will co-lead the Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETC) with China's Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao. For the first time, the commission will meet at the ministerial level.
The discussions will cover bilateral trade issues, areas of mutual economic interest and ways to strengthen cooperation toward a stable and predictable trading relationship.
Shanghai: Canada's Big Export Showcase
The next stop is Shanghai, where Canada will take centre stage as the Guest Country of Honour at the China International Import Expo, one of the world's largest trade and investment events.
Sidhu will meet government officials, investors and businesses while showcasing what Canadian companies can offer.
The focus will include agri-food and agriculture, energy, clean technology and consumer products — sectors where Canada wants to explore greater cooperation and expand business opportunities.
The $7 Billion Opportunity Behind the Visit
There is already significant money at stake.
Sidhu says January's new trade arrangement with China unlocked $7 billion in new opportunities for Canadian businesses.
China is Canada's second-largest single-country trading partner, making the relationship an important part of Ottawa's export ambitions.
The latest figures offer some encouragement: Canadian merchandise exports to China grew 31.4% in the first half of 2026, reaching $21.5 billion. But Ottawa isn't stopping there. Its goal is to increase exports to China by 50% by 2030.
The Twikup Take
Canada is taking its export ambitions directly to one of its biggest trading partners. The 31.4% growth is encouraging, and the $7 billion in new opportunities gives the visit a clear economic backdrop.
But meetings aren't trade deals. The real test will be whether the Beijing discussions and Shanghai showcase translate into more orders, bigger markets and new opportunities for Canadian businesses.
Canada has set its export target. Now it needs to turn diplomatic momentum into business.
Image: AI-generated illustration.