Canada has suspended imports from the largest pork processing plant in the United States, a facility operated by Smithfield Foods in Tar Heel, North Carolina. The move comes after the plant faced three noncompliance issues within six months, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The suspension, which began on Thursday, is part of Canada’s standard protocols to ensure the safety and compliance of imported food products. While tensions between Washington and Ottawa have risen due to recent trade disputes, the USDA stated that Canada’s action is unrelated to any recent trade activity.
Smithfield Foods, the biggest pork processor in the U.S., confirmed the suspension but emphasized that it pertains to a limited number of shipments of certain offal products. Jim Monroe, a spokesman for Smithfield, said the company is working closely with the USDA to address the issues and develop a corrective action plan.
“Under Canada’s policy, three noncompliance issues within six months trigger a temporary suspension,” the USDA explained. “Once reviewed and accepted, Canada may consider reinstating the plant’s export eligibility.”
The halt affects a significant market for U.S. pork products. Last year, Canada was the fifth-largest export destination for U.S. pork, with shipments valued at about $850 million. The suspension adds to the challenges faced by American farmers, who are already concerned about potential retaliation from top importers due to U.S. tariffs.
The U.S. Meat Export Federation noted that U.S. pork has a substantial presence in Canadian retail and foodservice sectors. The organization, which represents the industry, is monitoring the situation closely.
As trade tensions continue, the agricultural sector remains wary of the impact on exports and the broader economy. Both governments are expected to engage in discussions to resolve the compliance issues and resume normal trade operations.
