Canada suspends pork imports from top U.S. plant amid Trump tariffs – National [Video]

Canada has blocked imports from the biggest U.S. pork processing plant, a facility run by Smithfield Foods in Tar Heel, North Carolina, the company said on Friday.

The suspension comes as Washington and Ottawa have sparred in a heated dispute over trade tariffs.

It is the latest blow for America’s farm sector, which has been roiled by concerns that U.S. tariffs will spark retaliation from top importers that reduces demand for American agricultural products.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said the suspension was in line with standard protocols and unrelated to recent trade activity. The agency and Smithfield, the largest U.S. pork processor, did not specify what triggered Canada’s action.

“Under Canada’s policy, three noncompliance issues within six months trigger a temporary suspension,” USDA said.

Blocking shipments from the plant limits a market for U.S. pork products.

USDA is working with Smithfield to address the issues and develop a corrective action plan that will be communicated to …