Canada advances African swine fever preparedness with new zoning arrangement with Japan

June 16, 2026

The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food is pleased to announce the Government of Canada has successfully established an African swine fever (ASF) zoning arrangement with Japan. This agreement is a significant step in Canada’s ongoing preparedness efforts, helping maintain access to this important market while supporting measures to contain and limit the spread of disease and protect animal health.

Under the new arrangement, pork exports to Japan will continue from ASF-freezones, even if the disease is present elsewhere in Canada. This provision is critical for maintaining trade with Japan - a key market for Canadian pork. In 2025, Canada exports of pork and pork products to Japan valued at approximately $1.8 billion, accounting for 31% of export values.

With the addition of Japan, Canada now has ASF zoning arrangements in place with eight markets: the United States, the European Union, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines and Japan. Together, these markets represent nearly 69% of Canada’s pork export value, helping to maintain market access and strengthen resilience across the sector.

Please visit this link for more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/food-inspection-agency/news/2026/06/canada-advances-african-swine-fever-preparedness-with-new-zoning-arrangement-with-japan.html

Topic(s)

Other Government Departments (OGDs) Requirements

Exports

Information source

Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

Disclaimer

The foregoing information is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered, professional advice or a substitute for conducting your own thorough research and review. Before making any decisions or taking any action based on the information provided, you should conduct your own independent investigation and/or seek professional advice from a qualified expert in the relevant field. The CSCB disclaims all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided.

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