Majority of Canadians Support Expanding Trade With China: Ipsos Poll

A small majority of Canadians now favour strengthening trade relations with China, according to a new Ipsos poll released as Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares for an official visit to Beijing. The findings point to a shift in public sentiment driven by economic pressures and global trade uncertainty.

The Ipsos poll, conducted in early December 2025, found that 54 per cent of Canadians support closer trade ties and economic agreements with China. This marks a significant change from 2020, when a large majority of Canadians wanted to reduce reliance on the Chinese market amid strained diplomatic relations and the detention of two Canadian citizens.

Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs, said the shift is less about renewed trust in China and more about concerns over Canada’s economic future. He noted that uncertainty caused by U.S. trade policies has pushed Canadians to reconsider the importance of diversifying trade partners.

Bricker explained that while public attitudes toward China remain cautious, many Canadians recognize the practical need to engage with the world’s second-largest economy. With global supply chains under strain, respondents appear more open to pragmatic trade relationships, even with countries where political differences exist.

The poll surveyed 2,001 Canadian adults nationwide. Its release comes ahead of Carney’s five-day visit to China, beginning next week, which will be the first by a Canadian prime minister since 2017. During the trip, Carney is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss trade, economic cooperation and diplomatic engagement.

The results suggest that as Canada navigates a changing global trade landscape, public opinion is gradually shifting toward broader economic partnerships, with many Canadians prioritizing economic stability and market access over past political tensions.