Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Pork Council urges TPP deal

The Canadian Pork Council is urging the federal government to take a leadership role to complete a trade deal with the Trans-Pacific Partnership members.

The council said it would welcome a deal that includes the terms of the agreement reached before U.S. President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the deal.

The council said in a news release that enhanced market access is of critical importance to Canadian producers and government’s efforts to expand economic ties in key Asia-Pacific markets are very much appreciated.

The Pacific region is experiencing significant economic growth and is also a region with an evolving need for agricultural products.

The Government of Canada has identified Asia-Pacific as a priority market and is working with the current Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) participants to assess alternatives.

“The value these markets bring to the trade of Canadian pork is key to the expansion of the industry,” said the council.

“While Japan is the most lucrative market, there is room to quickly improve Canadian market shares in Singapore, Vietnam and Malaysia.”

“Canada has the capacity and ability to complete this deal” the council said, adding “the status quo is not an option.


‘If a free trade agreement with Asia-Pacific nations is not implemented, Canada will face ongoing erosion of its ability to compete in Japan and other rapidly growing Asian markets.”