CPTPP Ratification Critical Amid Uncertainty Over Global Trade

The General Manager of Manitoba Pork says uncertainty over issues related to trade has increased the importance of the ratification of the Comprehensive Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership

by Bruce Cochrane – FarmScape Online

Trade has been a top of mind issue as pork sector stakeholders monitor progress on the ratification of the Comprehensive Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership and the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Andrew Dickson, the General Manager of Manitoba Pork, observes the U.S. wants to change the terms of its trade agreements which, because the Americans are major exporters of so many agricultural commodities, has created challenges for Canadian exporters especially in markets we share.

“If we can get better access at lower rates, lower import taxes, then our producers will be able to ship more product and make better margins”

“Our producers have made it very clear that they want to see the federal government of Canada ratify the CPTPP as soon as possible and not wait till sometime in late fall or winter.

“We need to be able to get this thing going so we take advantage of being the initial signers of the agreement.

“It’ll give us preferential treatment in key markets where we have been doing very well.

“This is critically important to Manitoba especially because the CPTPP agreement should allow us to, over the next 10 years, increase our export by at least half a billion dollars per year.

“We export 90 percent of our pork out of Manitoba and markets like Japan are critical to us.

“If we can get better access at lower rates, lower import taxes, then our producers will be able to ship more product and make better margins.”

Dickson notes there is a great deal of uncertainty in pork markets for this winter and the more quickly trade issues can be resolved the better.