Canada-China spat could sour business relations, experts say

OTTAWA –

Experts say souring relations between Ottawa and Beijing may have an effect on Canadian corporations in China, doubtlessly tarnishing the enchantment of Canadian manufacturers for Chinese customers.

Companies like Canada Goose, Roots, Lululemon and Tim Hortons have expanded into China lately, leaning into Canada’s fame as a supply of high quality items and sometimes that includes the pink maple leaf in retailer and product branding.

China is central to the expansion technique of many Canadian corporations desirous to faucet into the nation’s compelling client market.

But retail analyst Bruce Winder says a diplomatic spat between Ottawa and Beijing may spur a “soft boycott” of Canadian manufacturers in China.

He says a pullback in spending on Canada-based manufacturers in China may jeopardize the growth plans of a number of corporations.

Tims China chairman Peter Yu stated in February that the espresso and doughnut chain had 600 areas in China, with plans to develop to a thousand by the tip of 2023.

Lululemon had 117 shops in China as of the tip of January, in response to the corporate’s most up-to-date annual report.

Roots has greater than 100 partner-operated shops in Asia, the retailer stated in its annual report in January.

Canada Goose appointed Larry Li as president of its China operations final yr, a part of what it known as a brand new part of growth in China.

This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed May 9, 2023.