Manitoba Pork will be front and centre as the province joins a Team Canada trade mission to Japan this week, highlighting one of Manitoba’s most important agricultural export sectors in a market worth more than $1 billion annually.
The trade mission, taking place in Tokyo from June 23 to 26, will see provincial officials and industry representatives work to strengthen commercial relationships and expand opportunities for Manitoba producers in Japan, one of the province’s premier agri-food export destinations.
Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn says Japan remains a key partner for Manitoba agriculture, noting the province has built a reputation for producing safe, sustainable and high-quality agricultural products. The mission is aimed at supporting continued growth, investment and job creation while opening new doors for Manitoba farmers, processors and exporters.
Representatives from Manitoba Pork will join the delegation to showcase the province’s pork industry and reinforce Manitoba’s standing as a trusted supplier of premium pork products. Manitoba Pork board member Scott Peters says the trade mission demonstrates the province’s commitment to expanding and diversifying export markets, helping strengthen the provincial economy and create opportunities across Manitoba.
The pork sector could also benefit from a recently signed zoning arrangement between Canada and Japan related to African swine fever. The agreement recognizes regional disease-control measures in the event of an outbreak, helping protect access to the Japanese market and providing greater certainty for pork producers and processors.
The mission builds on recent Manitoba trade engagements in Thailand, Vietnam, China and Hong Kong. In 2025, Manitoba exported $1.1 billion worth of agri-food products to Japan, an increase of more than 18 per cent compared to the previous year, underscoring the importance of the relationship for Manitoba agriculture.
