I work in the canola sector in my day job, and yes, Japan is one of the most important markets for canola exports. We have a long-standing, long-established and very solid relationship with the Japanese. I don't have the Japanese trade statistics for 2022, but in 2021 it was 1.7 billion dollars' worth of exports, which is our third-largest market for canola.
Japan is a country that likes to import canola seed that they then crush on their own for cooking oil or for whatever they choose to do. Japan's biggest concern in Canada is getting it. The Japanese come to Canada. Every year, we host a delegation from Japan. The biggest concern of the Japanese is just that they want our canola, and they actually want our canola more. In canola, our biggest competitor is Australia, but they prefer Canadian canola. They want that high-quality oil. Our relationship with Japan is very solid. Trade agreements would certainly help, but Canada and Japan have a very long-standing bilateral relationship—CAFTA as well—with the Japanese trade officials here in Ottawa.
The Japanese market is critical. It's stable. It's been a bellwether for the Canadian canola sector for decades.