China has lifted its ban on the importation of Canadian pork, but a ban on U.S. pork imports remains in place. Canadian Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz says that access to the Chinese market is excellent news for Canadian pork producers and underlines the importance of recognizing international science-based standards. The Canadians have touted the standards of the World Organization for Animal Health.

In spring of 2009, China suspended pork imports from H1N1-affected countries. In December, Canada successfully negotiated to have the ban lifted. Since then Canada has been working to develop supplementary certification requirements.

As for U.S. imports, last October China announced it would resume imports of U.S. pork following the H1N1-related ban, but Washington and Beijing are still working out the associated terms and conditions.

Senate Ag Committee Chair Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., says it is time for China to follow through on its commitment with the United States. Lincoln and 21 other Senators have asked Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk to do everything within their means to ensure the Chinese market is reopened as promised.