Canada China food trade reopens, and you're standing in the meat aisle watching beef prices. The news says Canada just shipped beef to China. Your brain does the math: more exports equals less supply equals higher prices for you. But that equation might be completely backwards.

Charlebois argues shipping more beef to China actually lowers Canadian prices, not raises them. China buys special cuts Canada can't supply in volume anyway. The export market encourages Canadian cattle producers to grow herds, which increases domestic supply. 600 million Chinese middle-class consumers want Canadian canola and beef, and Trump exempted food from tariffs to avoid weaponizing the food supply chain. Trade with China, but don't fall in love with China—Charlebois warns the language matters because strategic alliances provoke Americans while trade relationships don't.

The beef you can't afford to buy isn't the beef China wants. The canola tariff that didn't happen wasn't going to raise your grocery bill anyway. And the trade deal that sounds dangerous might be the one protecting Canadian farmers from input cost collapse.

Topics: Canada China food trade, beef exports, canola tariffs, agricultural trade, Trump food policy

GUEST: Dr. Sylvain Charlebois | @‌foodprofessor

Originally aired on 2026-01-23

Canada China food trade reopens, and you're standing in the meat aisle watching beef prices. The news says Canada just shipped beef to China. Your brain does the math: more exports equals less supply equals higher prices for you. But that equation might be completely backwards.
Charlebois argues shipping more beef to China actually lowers Canadian prices, not raises them. China buys special cuts Canada can't supply in volume anyway. The export market encourages Canadian cattle producers to grow herds, which increases domestic supply. 600 million Chinese middle-class consumers want Canadian canola and beef, and Trump exempted food from tariffs to avoid weaponizing the food supply chain. Trade with China, but don't fall in love with China&mdash;Charlebois warns the language matters because strategic alliances provoke Americans while trade relationships don't.
The beef you can't afford to buy isn't the beef China wants. The canola tariff that didn't happen wasn't going to raise your grocery bill anyway. And the trade deal that sounds dangerous might be the one protecting Canadian farmers from input cost collapse.
Topics: Canada China food trade, beef exports, canola tariffs, agricultural trade, Trump food policy
GUEST: Dr. Sylvain Charlebois | @&zwnj;foodprofessor
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-01-23

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

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Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.