Therefore, commercial shipping continues to be the mainstay for our exchange of goods internationally. Canada exports up to 80 per cent of its agricultural production. The bulk of these products moves by water to China, Japan, the US, Brazil, Algeria and other major importing nations. The bulk of Canadian grains and oilseeds are exported out of Pacific ports. In 1995-96, about 65 per cent of total grains and oilseeds exports went out of the Canadian west coast.
Japan is the world's largest importer of grains and oilseeds.
Canada exports about four Mt of grain to Japan every year through the west coast ports. Japanese corn imports have averaged over 16 Mt over the last five years, and have been primarily sourced from the US through the Gulf ports. Japan also imports wheat and barley, sourced largely from Canada, US and Australia. China is also one of the world's largest importers of grains and oilseeds. About 20 to 25 per cent of Canadian grains and oilseeds are exported to China annually.