The impact of China’s decision to ban Canadian Meat Products doesn’t just affect pork, but beef as well.

Ryder Lee, CEO of the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association, says it’s a concern for the industry.

“Anytime there’s a hiccup in exports the futures market will react quickly, the cash market will react and we’ll see a real impact on deals being discussed today and for the future. It’s unfortunate and we really need to figure out what needs fixing and get it fixed as quick as we can.”

He says it’s an important market with growing potential; in 2018 China was a $97 million dollar export market for us.

“Who knows what the opportunity is right now; we’ve talked enough about African Swine Fever and all of the ramifications of that haven’t hit yet. So, we don’t want to be sitting on the sidelines when/if that big of a country is looking for more protein.”

Media reports state the Chinese embassy claims the issue stems from the detection of Ractopamine in a batch of Canadian pork products.

The feed additive is banned in China.

The Chinese embassy states that the veterinary health certificate associated with the shipment was counterfeit and that there was up to 188 counterfeit certificates found.

The Canadian government is looking into the matter and has informed the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

International Trade Diversification Minister Jim Carr says the government first learned of the situation about 10 days ago, adding they're trying to get answers as quickly as possible.

Export certificates to other countries are not affected.