The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has secured an African swine fever (ASF) zoning arrangement with the Philippines. This step strengthens Canada’s preparedness while protecting animal health.
The arrangement ensures trade can continue from ASF-free areas if the disease were ever detected in Canada. Restrictions would apply only to affected regions, not the entire country.
The Philippines is a key market for Canadian pork exports. In 2024, Canada shipped approximately USD 279 million in pork and pork products to the Philippines.
Safeguarding trade and animal health
Although Canada remains ASF-free, the disease continues to spread globally. ASF poses no food safety or human health risk, but it is fatal in pigs.
An outbreak would severely affect domestic and wild pig herds, pork producers, and the broader economy. Zoning arrangements are designed to reduce such impacts while maintaining trade continuity.
Canada continues to work closely with trading partners to safeguard animal health and keep supply chains resilient. The Philippines is a priority market under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.
Strengthening International cooperation
This arrangement reflects technical collaboration between Canada and the Philippines. Cooperation was reaffirmed last summer when Minister Heath MacDonald met with Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr in Manila.
Canada now has ASF zoning arrangements with seven partners:
- ✅ US
- ✅ EU
- ✅ Singapore
- ✅ Hong Kong
- ✅ Vietnam
- ✅ United Arab Emirates
- ✅ Philippines
Together, these markets represent nearly 40% of Canada’s pork export value. This strengthens Canada’s preparedness and reduces potential trade impacts through international collaboration.
Industry voices
Minister Heath MacDonald emphasized that zoning arrangements help maintain market stability for producers if ASF were detected in Canada.
René Roy, Chair of the Canadian Pork Council, highlighted the importance of food security for the Philippines and a science-based approach to disease management.
Stephen Heckbert, Executive Director of the Canadian Pork Council, congratulated both governments for ensuring confidence in ASF preparedness and planning.
Quick facts about Canada’s pork industry
- ✅ Canada is free of ASF.
- ✅ ASF is fatal in pigs but not a food safety or human health risk.
- ✅ Zoning arrangements define how trade from disease-free zones is treated if ASF is detected.
- ✅ Canada’s pork industry contributes over $24 billion annually to the economy.
- ✅ The industry supports approximately 100,000 jobs.
- ✅Nearly 70% of Canadian pork production is exported each year.