July 15, 2005

Canada seeks protection for dairy and poultry industries against imports

During recent World Trade Organisation talks, Canada sought continued protection for the country's dairy and poultry industries against import competition.

The talks included a plan for reducing tariffs that keep out imports.

Once that plan was refined, exceptions for "sensitive products" would be discussed.

Canada is planning to have its dairy and poultry products classified as "sensitive products".

In return for high tariff protection from most imports, Canadian dairy and poultry farmers would match their supply with domestic demand.

In 2003, Canada's dairy industry was worth C$4.5 billion, while the poultry sector was worth C$2.6 billion.

Canada imported C$588 million of dairy products in 2004. Poultry imports were worth more than C$418 million in 2003.