March 26, 2025

NPPC urges Canada to exempt US pork from retaliatory tariffs

The US National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has called on the Canadian government to exclude pork from any retaliatory tariffs that may be imposed on US goods in response to US President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canadian imports.

In 2024, the US exported more than US$850 million worth of pork to Canada, while Canada sent US$1.7 billion worth of pork to the US. Additionally, Canada exported over US$560 million in live swine to the US last year, which were primarily sent to US finishing and slaughter facilities, where they were combined with US swine. Much of this pork was later exported back to Canada.

The NPPC emphasised that this two-way trade benefits both countries, as well as producers and consumers. In written comments to Canada's Department of Finance, the council stated, "This two-way trade is mutually beneficial for our countries and for producers and consumers alike. In contrast, escalating trade wars will produce no winners. A trade war will leave the North American pork sector weaker and more fragmented."

US President Donald Trump has indicated that he plans to impose tariffs on Canada, as well as on China and Mexico, in an effort to curb illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking into the U.S. The tariffs are also intended to address a trade deficit of US$80 billion with Canada.

The NPPC warned that tit-for-tat tariff exchanges would disrupt supply chains that have taken decades to establish. The council urged Canada to preserve the benefits of the integrated North American market, including by excluding US pork imports from any retaliatory measures.

The NPPC reiterated its strong support for trade and market access, which helps ensure that US pork products can reach the highest-value markets and supports US producers and their communities across the nation.

- Farm Journal's Pork