Statement on joint WTO efforts to ensure open and predictable trade for food and agricultural products amid COVID-19

April 22, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, today issued the following statement:

“As countries take action to respond to the impacts of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), it is imperative that trade remains open and predictable to ensure people in Canada and around the world can access the food and essential goods they need.

“Today, Canada and 23 WTO members signed onto a joint statement to reinforce international cooperation on trade in agricultural and agri-food products. This will help to protect and promote food security, nutrition and the health of people around the world.

“Members committed to not imposing agriculture export restrictions or implementing unjustified trade barriers on agriculture and agri-food products and key agricultural production inputs.

“They also agreed that emergency measures related to agriculture and agri-food products designed to tackle COVID-19 must be targeted, proportionate, transparent, temporary and consistent with WTO rules.

“At this critical time, Canada continues to work with its international partners to ensure that safe, affordable and nutritious food is available and accessible to Canadians and people around the world.”