A number of nations—most notably Russia and China—have imposed widespread import restrictions on pork and pork products from major U.S. and Canadian agricultural states and provinces.
In a joint statement, the three NAFTA nations called for an end to "unscientific bans on pork imports" over the outbreak of the disease, also known as swine flu.
"We urge our trading partners to remove these restrictions on our products immediately. We will continue to follow this situation closely, and will take any steps to prevent the enforcement of unjustified measures against our exports, as appropriate," the trio said.
This comment most likely refers to a possible challenge at the World Trade Organization, which can often be a long drawn out process. Russia is not a WTO member and could therefore, in theory, be subject to bilateral sanctions.
The three NAFTA nations said the import bans were inconsistent with the international obligations of the countries in question.
"These unjustified restrictions will likely result in serious trade disruptions without cause and result in significant economic damage," they said.
