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Agricultural Trade and Geopolitics: A Comparative Analysis of China-U.S. and China-Canada Trade Relations

Author

Listed:
  • Fang, Tony

    (Memorial University of Newfoundland)

  • Pracek, Torin

    (Queen's University)

  • Chen, Jianghua

    (Hefei University)

  • Chen, Wen-hao

    (National Taipei University)

Abstract

This paper draws on trade data, academic literature, government reports, and policy documents to contextualize historic trade dynamics and trace the buildup to recent disputes. Using a comparative framework, we analyze how Sino-U.S. and Sino-Canada relations have shaped and continue to shape agri-food trade flows. Our analysis reveals structural vulnerabilities in U.S. and Canadian agricultural exports to China, emphasizing how reliance on a narrow set of commodities exposes both countries to economic losses resulting from China's trade policies. Simultaneously, China's dependence on a limited number of suppliers for large volumes of key commodities makes it vulnerable to price volatility and supply uncertainty.

Suggested Citation

  • Fang, Tony & Pracek, Torin & Chen, Jianghua & Chen, Wen-hao, 2026. "Agricultural Trade and Geopolitics: A Comparative Analysis of China-U.S. and China-Canada Trade Relations," IZA Discussion Papers 18362, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18362
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Yue, Changjun & Hua, Ping, 2002. "Does comparative advantage explains export patterns in China?," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 13(2-3), pages 276-296.
    2. Petros C. Mavroidis & André Sapir, 2019. "China and the world trade organisation- towards a better fit," Bruegel Working Papers 31119, Bruegel.
    3. Pablo D Fajgelbaum & Pinelopi K Goldberg & Patrick J Kennedy & Amit K Khandelwal, 2020. "The Return to Protectionism," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 135(1), pages 1-55.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • Q11 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Aggregate Supply and Demand Analysis; Prices
    • Q17 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agriculture in International Trade
    • Q18 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agricultural Policy; Food Policy; Animal Welfare Policy

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