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As China blocks imports of Canadian canola seeds, producers of canola oil have put a rush on shipments of their product in case they are also targeted by China.

West Coast Reduction, which operates a terminal on Vancouver’s inner harbour, typically ships 60,000 to 70,000 tonnes of canola oil a month through its facilities, said Rob Jones, director of sales. For April, he estimates its shipments might be as high as 90,000 tonnes.

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“It all comes down to logistics and how fast can we get rail cars into Vancouver,” Jones said. “When the ships arrive, we’re loading as fast as we can, provided our tanks are full, and start all over again.

“We’re extremely busy right now and probably as busy as we ever have been.”

Jones said China exports represent about 75 per cent of Canada’s market for canola oil and his customers are accelerating shipments before the existing export permits with that country expire on June 30.