The Canadian government has secured export market access for Canadian pork and pork products to India. The Canadian pork industry estimates that gaining access to this new market could be worth CA$2 million (US$1.38 million) in the first year, with growth in future years, as demand for value-added products is expected to increase.
The opening of the Indian markets was announced jointly by Canada Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Minister of International Trade Chrystia Freeland.
Access to the Indian market aligns with the government's plan to expand trade with large and fast-growing markets. Improved access in this sector will create opportunities for Canadian pork producers and will further facilitate Canada's position as a long-term, reliable partner in meeting India's food security objectives. Worth more than $6.4 billion in 2014, bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and India grew nearly 11 percent from 2013 to 2014 and has more than doubled over the last 11 years, according to the Canadian government.
"Canadian pork producers can immediately benefit from this new opportunity, exporting their product into this emerging market and increasing their export returns. Our pork industry works hard to produce safe, high-quality meat products and our government will continue to work equally hard to deliver what they need to grow their businesses in markets around the world," said MacAulay.
