China is driving pork prices all over the world.

That from Dr. Dermot Hayes, a professor of economics and finance at Iowa State University. He spoke last week at Manitoba Pork's annual general meeting in Winnipeg.

Hayes says this year China will import a record amount of pork.

He explains why Manitoba producers are in a great position to take advantage of this.

"Canada does not use ractopamine, the US does and so we (US) don't really get full access into that market, whereas Canada does. Canada's exporting so much pork to China that it has less pork available for any of its other customers."

Hayes notes the expected rebound in Chinese pork production is not happening, which is also good news for Canada.

He expects opportunities in China will continue for at least another 12 to 18 months.