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Feb 27, 2020 10:44 PM -

Head of Canada's largest port says, novel coronavirus is eating into trade

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The head of Canada's largest port says the novel coronavirus is eating into trade, and it's coming after a year that saw cargo volumes dip.

Vancouver Fraser Port Authority CEO Robin Silvester says the number of cancelled sailings is on the rise as large parts of the Chinese economy are shut down due to the outbreak.

Silvester says slowdowns could also severely dent trade with Korea and Japan, which together with China account for well over half of the freight volume at Canada's Pacific gateway.

China cut wheat and canola shipments from Canada last year amid diplomatic tensions.

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