Canada has established an African swine fever (ASF) zoning arrangement with Japan, Heath MacDonald, minister of agriculture and agrifood, announced on June 16.
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.
“Securing this zoning arrangement with Japan is an important step in protecting Canada’s pork sector,” MacDonald said. “It helps support market stability for producers while reinforcing a science-based approach to trade and animal health. As one of the most important export markets for Canadian pork, maintaining reliable access to Japan is critical to the long-term success and competitiveness of our producers.”
Under the new arrangement, pork exports to Japan will continue from ASF-free zones, 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 CAD1.8 billion (US$1.28 billion, accounting for 31% of export values.
Although Canada remains free of ASF, the disease continues to spread globally. ASF is not a risk to human health or food safety, but it is highly contagious and fatal for pigs. An outbreak in Canada would have serious consequences for the pork sector, affecting animal health, producers, supply chains and the broader economy.
Proactively securing zoning arrangements is an important part of Canada’s preparedness plan. This work reflects sustained technical collaboration and ongoing engagement between all levels of the Japanese and Canadian governments. It enables a science-based, internationally recognized approach to maintaining safe trade during an outbreak, helping mitigate disruption to pork trade and supporting food security.
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.
