The Effects of Public Law 480 on Canadian Wheat Exports

This article attempts to delineate the nature and extent of harmful effects reportedly suffered by Canada as a result of U.S. Public Law 480 wheat exports. Wheat trade data suggest that U.S. P. L. 480 wheat exports depressed total Canadian exports during the fiscal 1955–60 period. Sales to countries such as Communist China and the Soviet Union have improved Canada's overall wheat trade picture since 1960 on a quantity basis. Nevertheless, the fact that Canada accounted for a smaller percentage share of total world wheat exports during the fiscal 1961–63 period than during the fiscal 1955–60 period suggests that some P. L. 480 induced pressures continue to exist in a number of markets. This statement is supported by the evidence that Canadian wheat exports have been reduced, largely due to P. L. 480 activities, on a percentage basis in an 18 country group, and on a percentage and quantity basis in a 16 country group examined in this study.