8 March 2005

Canadian Swine Not Unfairly Subsidized: US

The following is excerpted from a press release issued by International Trade Canada on 7 March 2005.

The Government of Canada today welcomed the final determination of the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) that trade in Canadian live swine is not unfairly subsidized. However, the Government expressed disappointment that provisional anti-dumping duties will be maintained. …

"Canada's whole-farm programs have, once again, been found not to be countervailable," said Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Andy Mitchell. "This should send a clear message that Canadian producers are fair traders."

While DOC did not impose countervailing duties, it announced its final determination in the anti-dumping investigation. The overall margin of dumping was reduced from 14.06 percent to 10.63 percent. On April 18, 2005, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) will issue its final determination as to whether imports of Canadian live swine covered by these investigations are causing or threatening to cause material injury to the U.S. domestic live swine industry. Final anti-dumping duties will only apply in the event of an affirmative ruling by the ITC.

In 2003, hog exports from Canada were valued at $554 million, with Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta being the primary producers. The U.S. is the principal market for Canadian live swine exports.