China Expands Canadian Canola Ban as Tensions Escalate

A canola crop in full bloom near Fort Macleod, Alberta, in a file photo. On March 26, Viterra Inc. became the second Canadian canola exporter to have its trade registration cancelled by China. Reuters/Todd Korol

TORONTO—The Chinese regime has expanded its restrictions on Canadian canola seed imports to include a second Canadian canola company amid a growing trade and diplomatic dispute between the two countries.

Viterra Inc. had its registration canceled on March 26, less than a month after Beijing revoked the sales permit of another major Canadian canola supplier, Richardson International. In both cases, the regime justified the move by saying they had found “harmful organisms” in the crops.