EnChina and Canada have yet to reach an agreement to start FTA negotiations after meetings between Premier Xi and Prime Minister Trudeau. While the two remain “constantly engaged” the failure is not a surprise. Philosophically Canada prefers comprehensive trade deals, as shown by its involvement in CPTPP in Asia and CETA in Europe. China meanwhile prefers goods-focussed deals like RCEP and its belt-and-road strategy.
Side deals will likely be reached in agriculture. Improved access to the Chinese beef and pork market is vital after Canadian supplies fell 19% in the past 12 months on...
