Global Trade Disputes Impacting Canadian Producers

Press Release
For immediate release
 

September 6, 2018 OTTAWA - Ongoing uncertainty in global pork markets has resulted in Canadian pigs being sold at prices that are 30% lower than this time last year. Canadian farmers are in an extraordinarily difficult financial position. 

Canadian pork producers are integrated into the much larger US market and the prices they receive are based directly on those negotiated by their American counterparts. Unfortunately, the fallout from trade disputes between the United States and key pork markets such as China, Mexico and Canada has intensified the normal seasonal decline in prices.

The Government of the United States recognized the impact of these disputes and, as part of a larger $12 billion trade mitigation package, announced a series of pork specific initiatives that included an $8 per hog ad hoc payment. 

Canadian farmers, facing exactly the same market conditions, need similar support from our federal and provincial governments. While we can compete and succeed in normal market conditions, we need immediate, short-term support to help weather this storm.

Canada is the third-largest supplier of pork to global markets. Approximately 70% of our production, valued at $4 billion, is sold to consumers around the world. Producers welcomed the conclusions of the 2017 Barton Report and looked forward to helping Canada reach its $75 billion export target. However, in the absence of immediate action, achieving this goal and the jobs associated with it, are in jeopardy.

The Canadian Pork Council is the national voice for hog producers in Canada. A federation of nine provincial pork industry associations representing 7,000 farms, the organization advances, promotes and protects the excellence of Canadian pork production.

 

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Media Contact:

Gary Stordy - Director, Government and Corporate Affairs, Canadian Pork Council
613-263-9239 ext. 277 stordy@cpc-ccp.com

 

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