U.S.-Canada Quarterly Grain Trade Consultations, November 2000

U.S. and Canadian officials met on Nov. 30, 2000, for grain trade consultations as provided for under the Record of Understanding and Action Plan agreed to between Canada and the United States. Since January 1999, the two sides meet quarterly to exchange information on grain market developments and prospects.

The consultations, as set out in the Action Plan, provided an opportunity for an open and useful discussion on a wide range of grain trade related topics. Officials reviewed the global market situation, including bilateral grain trade flows, projections for the current year, current issues of concern and discussed a number of other measures that could affect trade. Each participant=s projections are based on current and anticipated market conditions, and may need to be revised as markets evolve.

With respect to bilateral trade, projections indicate that 2000/01 cross-border grain trade is likely to increase from the reduced 1999/2000 level. Canadian wheat shipments are projected to increase only moderately from the 1999/2000 level with a rise in durum from the past year. Barley exports, mainly malting quality, are forecast to rise from the 1999/2000 level. U.S. corn exports to Canada are also expected to increase (tables attached*). The projections which were discussed are each side=s views of how markets are likely to evolve and are not commitments.