US pork industry calls for tarriff exemption by Canada
The US pork industry urges Canada to keep pork out of retaliatory tariffs amid rising trade tensions a few days after China renewed US pork export registrations, securing a key market for American producers.
USA – The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is urging Canada to exclude pork from any retaliatory tariffs that may be introduced in response to US trade measures.
The call comes as tensions escalate following US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on Canadian imports.
In 2024, the US exported pork worth US$850 million to Canada, while Canada sent US$1.7 billion worth of pork to the US.
Additionally, live swine exports from Canada to the US reached US$560 million, with most animals being processed in US facilities before a portion of the pork was sent back to Canada.
The NPPC argues that this trade structure benefits both nations, supporting producers and consumers alike.
In a written submission to Canada’s Department of Finance, the council warned that escalating trade conflicts would weaken the North American pork industry.
It stated that retaliatory tariffs would disrupt an integrated system that has developed over decades.
Trump has justified the tariffs on Canada, China, and Mexico as measures to address illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking while also aiming to correct a US$80 billion trade deficit with Canada.
His administration has signaled that further economic restrictions could follow.
The NPPC has cautioned that retaliatory tariffs from Canada could create supply chain disruptions, impacting pork producers and exporters on both sides of the border.
It has urged Canada to protect the benefits of the integrated North American market by keeping US pork out of its countermeasures.
Meanwhile, the US pork industry has received a boost after China renewed export registrations for more than 300 processing and cold storage facilities.
The decision, announced by the NPPC on March 17, extends access to the Chinese market for another five years.
Industry officials had been concerned after registrations expired in late February, with additional approvals set to lapse on March 16.
The renewal secures continued entry into one of the largest global markets for US pork, particularly for variety meats.
Bryan Humphreys, CEO of the NPPC, described the development as a relief for producers who rely on China as a major export destination.
In 2024, the US shipped over 367,000 tonnes of pork to China, generating US$1.1 billion in revenue.
More than half of all US pork variety meat exports, around 55%, were sent to China last year.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
