Industry Snapshot: Canadian Pork Sector

Toronto – February 3, 2017 – The pork sector is a vital component of the Canadian agricultural economy. Pork accounts for about 40% of all Canadian meat production. Overall, pork production in 2016 was over 1.9 metric tonnes, a 2.5 percent increase over the previous year. Other important facts about the pork industry:

• Canada is the seventh largest producer in the world, behind Vietnam and Russia.

• Canadian industry pork production grew at an annual rate of 1.5% from 2000 to 2015.

• 90% of all pork imported to the U.S. comes from Canada.

• Canada is the world’s third-largest pork exporter. The E.U. and the U.S. rank first and second.

• Canada’s pork exports to China have significantly increased since 2012. Canada’s share of the Chinese market increased from about 12% in 2012, to about 14% in 2016.

• Canada’s pork exports to Japan have carved a market share of about 19%; since 2012, Canadian pork exports have also gained significant market share in Mexico.

• According to Statistics Canada, pork exports increased by 7% in November 2016  compared to November 2015, and pork trade was up by 5%, based on January to November 2016 data. 

• Canadian live hog exports amounted to 5.2 million head from January to November 2016 (1% down compared to the same period in 2015).

• The fourth quarter of 2016 was exceptional in terms of both hog and pork marketing. Pork packinghouse levels soared 5% or more above year ago levels.

• Total number of Canadian hogs processed in 2016 was 31.5 million head, a record by far.

Source: Kevin Grier – Canadian Pork Market Review – January 6, 2017, www.kevingrier.com