November 19, 2019

Canadian pork industry looking to maximise reopening of China market

Representatives of Canada's red meat industry were in China in mid-November to continue to build on decades of strong relationship and trade between the two countries, the Canadian Pork Council said.

This mission is timely - the Chinese market was recently reopened to Canadian pork following a four-month suspension.

"During our visit a few weeks back, we heard clearly that we needed to strengthen our relationship with our Chinese customers" said Rick Bergmann, the cahir of Canadian Pork Council.

"Activities such as this mission will serve to do just that but will also allow us to thank Chinese officials for their trust and confidence in reopening the market for us," he added.

In addition to meetings in Shanghai, the delegation is set to travel to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Beijing and Tianjin before concluding their trip. They will be meeting with members of the Canada-China Business Council, Import and Export Food Safety Bureau officials, food importers, retailers, Canadian trade representatives and Canadian consulates.

"Every time I travel to China and meet with our customers and partners, I gain a better understanding of the market, and that informs the decisions we make back in Canada" explained Hans Kristensen, first vice-chair of CPC.

Participants from the Canadian Pork Council, the Canadian Meat Council, Canada Pork International and others will also meet Ambassador Barton. "We look forward to working with Barton to grow the Canadian pork exports to China and further improve relations," said Kristensen.

In 2018, Canada's pork exports totaled almost $4 billion, of which $514 million was exported to China, making it Canada's third-largest export market. It should be noted that the Canadian pork industry was on pace to double its 2018 sales in 2019 prior to the temporary suspension.

Canada expects that pace to continue to accelerate now that the market has reopened. 

- Canadian Pork Council