As looming tariffs continue to impact farmers, those in the pork industry may have some challenges bringing home the bacon.
Last month, China announced a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian pork as part of a response to Canadian tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum.
China is a major market for Canadian pork products.
“It’s about half a billion dollars right now, is what our exports to China are, so it’s significant,” said Mark Ferguson, Sask. Pork general manager.
Ferguson said the tariffs will have an immediate impact on meat processing plants, and if the tariffs are long-term, it will impact pork producers’ bottom line.
He says Sask. Pork is also keeping a close eye on the U.S., because it’s concerned about potential tariffs on live pigs.
The National Pork Producers’ Council, which advocates for the U.S. pork industry, is calling on the Canadian government to exempt American pork products from any retaliatory tariffs, according to a news release.
“I certainly understand where U.S. pork producers are coming from. I don’t think anybody wants tariffs on pork. We’re an integrated market. It’s served us well over the years,” Ferguson said in an interview with CTV News.
For now, Sask. Pork is encouraging people to buy Canadian pork products.
