Saskatchewan pork producers challenged by Chinese tariff

Saskatchewan pork producers are feeling the effects of Chinese tariffs on Canadian pork. In response to Canadian tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, China has imposed a 25 percent tariff on Canadian pork, which began on March 20. This decision has raised concerns among local producers in Saskatchewan. In Saskatoon, the King of Duck restaurant specializes in Chinese barbecue, with pork being a key ingredient. The restaurant’s manager, Philip Zhang, emphasized that pork is very important in Chinese culture, especially for special occasions like weddings and birthdays. The pork dishes at his restaurant are increasingly popular. China is a major market for Canadian pork, ranking as the third most important destination for exports. Professor Eric Micheels from the University of Saskatchewan explained that while China can buy pork from other countries like Brazil and Spain, Canada heavily relies on the Chinese market. Canadian pork exports to China are valued at over half a billion dollars. Losing access or facing higher costs could create challenges for many producers. Some farmers, however, are experiencing different impacts. Ben Martins Bartel from Grovenland Farm sells pork directly to consumers in Saskatchewan. He noted that since the tariff news, demand for locally-sourced pork has surged. Bartel stated that increasing production can take time, but he has received significant interest in his products. Bartel believes a mix of different sized farms can make the pork industry more resilient in times of trade disruption. He hopes that more local consumers will choose to buy from nearby farms. Building relationships between agriculture and consumers, he says, is beneficial in the long run for everyone involved.