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Bulk Pea Export Future Gets Cloudy

WINNIPEG - Mar 25/18 - SNS -- The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) reports 198,100 metric tons (MT) field pea were loaded for export through licensed terminal and primary elevators which are required to report to it all grain movement in February.

However, political clouds appear to be forming over trade with China, which was the destination for 58% of all bulk pea exports between August and February. There is a growing fear that country will effectively ban imports of peas and other bulk grains and oilseeds from Canada.

Concern stems from newspaper reports that pea importers are encountering unexpected problems clearing peas through Chinese customs and phytosanitary agents. There has so far been no direct confirmation from exporters of problems or contract cancellations.

The issue is seen as largely political because diplomatic tension between Canada and China increased significantly after the arrest of Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Chinese technology firm Huawei, for extradition to the United States where she is accused of fraud.

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