Canada regains access to China for pork exports

By Charlie Reeve

The ban on Canadian pork exports to China has now been lifted after a four-month period.

The ban first came into place due to a period of high political tensions and claims that traces of ractopamine were found in Canadian shipments. The relationship between the two nations now seems to be improving, although it is not yet clear how quickly, or even if trade will return to previous levels.

During the first half of 2019, China was Canada’s largest export destination accounting for 171,000 tonnes of fresh/frozen pork.  Despite the temporary interruption in trade, China is still the largest export destination for Canadian pork exports based on the first 9 months of 2019, accounting for 25% of total fresh/frozen exports.

Canada is the third largest exporter to China for the year-to-date, with Spain and Germany ahead of them. The continued prevalence of ASF in China is increasing demand for pork imports. This could potentially lead to Canada’s exports to the region growing significantly, now that market access has been restored.

In contrast, there were notable increases in fresh/frozen pork imports to China from the United States and Brazil during Q3, while Canada was banned. It is unclear how much of this market Canada will be able to win back now it has regained access.

Canadian global fresh/frozen pork exports during Q3 2019 were down both compared to both the previous quarter (-33,000 tonnes) and compared to Q3 2018 (-11,000 tonnes), finishing at 213,000 tonnes. Canada does however continue to be a major net exporter of pork products.

During Q3, Canada did increase export volumes to some other markets to offset some of the exports that would have previously gone to China. Export volumes to Mexico, the Philippines and Taiwan all increased significantly on the previous quarter. Shipments to the US also recorded some small increases.

Subscribe to receive pork market news straight to your inbox. Simply complete our online form.

While AHDB seeks to ensure that the information contained on this webpage is accurate at the time of publication, no warranty is given in respect of the information and data provided. You are responsible for how you use the information. To the maximum extent permitted by law, AHDB accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury howsoever caused or suffered (including that caused by negligence) directly or indirectly in relation to the information or data provided in this publication.

All intellectual property rights in the information and data on this webpage belong to or are licensed by AHDB. You are authorised to use such information for your internal business purposes only and you must not provide this information to any other third parties, including further publication of the information, or for commercial gain in any way whatsoever without the prior written permission of AHDB for each third party disclosure, publication or commercial arrangement. For more information, please see our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice or contact the Director of Corporate Affairs at info@ahdb.org.uk  © Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. All rights reserved.