Canadian Firms Showcase Goods at Shanghai Import Expo

Canada returns as guest country of honour as China eases tariffs on key seafood exports.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in International Trade

Canadian Firms Showcase Goods at Shanghai Import Expo

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Canadian businesses are exhibiting at the 9th China International Import Expo in Shanghai, where Canada is the guest country of honour for the second time. The appearance follows a January economic and trade cooperation roadmap and China's suspension of extra tariffs on Canadian peas, lobsters and crabs.

Why it matters

The expo gives Canadian exporters direct access to China's consumer market and brand-building opportunities at a time when trade ties are being reset. For Canada, sustained access to Chinese buyers matters for seafood producers and other exporters, with the roadmap viewed as a positive signal for future cooperation.

The expo drew a record 4,142 overseas exhibitors, and Canada sent 120 businesses to the event. Over one-third of surveyed Canadian businesses now rank China as a top priority, while nearly a third have elevated China's priority since 2023.

The players

China International Import Expo

A major annual trade fair in Shanghai that showcases products from overseas exhibitors to Chinese buyers and consumers.

Nova Scotia

A Canadian province on the Atlantic coast whose seafood industry, especially lobster, is a significant exporter to China.

The details

Canada's national pavilion, shaped like a maple leaf, houses products from 120 businesses, including a mini-capsule fish oil designed for Chinese consumers. Nova Scotia officials are promoting lobster, with the province sending about 25 percent of its seafood to China, and seafood exports have grown strongly since China suspended its extra tariffs.

January 2026: China and Canada signed an economic and trade cooperation roadmap during Prime Minister Carney's visit.
November 2026: The 9th China International Import Expo was held in Shanghai with Canadian exhibitors.

Market Landscape

The January roadmap and China's tariff suspension on Canadian peas, lobsters and crabs set the stage for this expo presence. Canada's partial rollback of tariffs on Chinese products, including electric cars, shows both sides adjusting trade rules in parallel.

Canadian shoppers may see more seafood and consumer products from Chinese-market brands as exporters expand. Households in Nova Scotia and other seafood regions may see market access shape local employment and prices.

The takeaway

Canadian exporters are using high-profile trade events to build brand recognition in China, and tariff relief is helping seafood producers regain momentum. Businesses watching this market should track both roadmap commitments and tariff changes.