SASKATCHEWAN APPLAUDS TRADE COMMISSION RULING

The Government of Saskatchewan applauded today's ruling by the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) in favour of Canadian hog producers.

The ITC voted unanimously that Canadian hog exports were not injuring U.S. producers during the period of investigation (2003). The "no injury" ruling means that antidumping duties will no longer be collected, and that deposits previously collected will be refunded to producers.

"This confirms what we have been saying from the start," Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman said. "Canadian hogs are being traded fairly. This only serves as another example of a U.S. industry challenging legitimate trade in an integrated North American market."

"These kinds of trade investigations serve only to constrain future investments," Government Relations Minister Len Taylor said. "They are costly to defend and are costly in terms of the disruptions they cause to industry."

Taylor and Wartman both said it is time to look at alternative mechanisms to address trade disputes in North America.

Saskatchewan's average annual hog exports to the U.S. total $23 million.

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For More Information, Contact:

Scott Brown Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306)787-4031

Maureen Boyle Government Relations Regina Phone: (306) 787-5959