Canada-U.S. Pork Trade Remains Strong Despite Trade Tensions, Economist Says

Canadian feeder pig exports to the U.S. continue climbing, with slaughter hog shipments up nearly 30% in 2026, highlighting the interconnected nature of North American pork production.

Despite ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States, the North American pork industry continues to demonstrate strong integration, with cross-border hog movements reaching levels not seen in nearly two decades.

Dr. Lee Schulz, Chief Economist with EA Risk, says the movement of Canadian feeder pigs and market hogs into the United States remains an important component of the continent’s pork production system.

Speaking ahead of the Saskatchewan Pork Industry Symposium, scheduled for November 3–4, 2026, in Saskatoon, Schulz highlighted the strength of cross-border livestock trade despite uncertainty surrounding broader Canada-U.S. trade relations.

Canadian Hog Exports Reach Highest Levels Since 2008–2009

Canadian hog exports to the United States have shown notable growth in 2026, reinforcing the importance of cross-border supply chains for pork producers and processors in both countries.

According to Schulz, year-to-date trade figures show:

• Feeder pig imports from Canada: Up 6.5% compared with the same period in 2025.

• Barrow and gilt imports for slaughter: Up nearly 30% year over year.

• Overall import activity: Feeder pig and slaughter hog movements have reached their highest levels since 2008–2009.

These increases demonstrate the continued reliance of U.S. pork production on Canadian-born animals, whether destined for finishing facilities or direct delivery to processing plants.

The movement of live hogs across the border has long been a defining feature of the North American pork industry, allowing producers and processors to coordinate production capacity and livestock supply across national boundaries.

Trade Tensions Have Not Disrupted Industry Integration

While Canada-U.S. trade relations have experienced uncertainty, Schulz emphasized that the fundamental structure of the pork industry remains intact.

Most agricultural commodities outside Canada’s supply-managed sectors have avoided the tariffs affecting other industries, helping maintain the established flow of livestock and agricultural products.

The continuation of cross-border hog movements illustrates how closely production systems in the two countries remain connected.

For Canadian producers, access to U.S. finishing operations and processing capacity remains commercially important. For U.S. producers and processors, Canadian livestock contributes to animal supplies and plant utilization.