It is unclear the immediate impacts of the retaliatory trade tariffs on Prairie hog producers, but the list of 700 tariff items don’t appear to target primary agriculture, said the executive director of Alberta Pork.
“I don’t think we will get hit that hard unless it is specific things people are bringing in if they can’t find an alternative for it,” said Darcy Fitzgerald.
“For the most part I would think there are a lot of Canadian substitutions for what is there.”
Alberta Pork encouraged producers to review the 700 listed tariff items and talk to suppliers, veterinarians, nutritionists and others to understand which products will impact each operation. Some alternative products may be available in Canada and Europe, while Canada works through trade negotiations with the US.
Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on selected U.S. products took effect Sept. 8, potentially increasing building costs and feed ingredients. The retaliatory tariffs apply only to goods considered to originate in the United States.
Alberta Pork estimates the highest risk for a hog operator or barn project are likely to be in steel or aluminum penning, gestation stalls and fabricated barn equipment and components. Tariffs could be up to 50 percent, a huge hit to producers building or renovating a barn.
Alberta Pork plans to survey its members and get feedback on specific items that may impact Alberta producers and get a better understanding of the potential economic impact the tariffs might cause.
Producers may also be able to request relief from the federal government for products that need to be brought in from the US, and will cause economic harm. •
— By Mary MacArthur