Chai-Na-Ta Corp. Reports 2003 Year-End Results.

Business Editors

RICHMOND, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 19, 2004

Chai-Na-Ta Corp. (TSX:CC) (OTCBB:CCCFF), the world's largest supplier of North American ginseng, today announced that net earnings rose sharply in 2003 to $2.6 million, or $0.17 per basic share, more than seven times 2002 net earnings of $0.3 million, or $0.02 per basic share.

Revenue rose to $16.6 million in 2003 from $16.0 million in the prior year. The Company's gross profit margin as a percentage of sales rose to 38% in 2003 from 10% in 2002. Industry production volume in North America fell by about 20% in 2003, as did Chai-Na-Ta's. However, the Company's production of 775,630 pounds last year was still 4% above its target.

"Chai-Na-Ta's results in 2003 demonstrate the strong foundation that we have built. The Company was profitable on a bottom line basis and, as we anticipated, enjoyed its first annual operating profit since 1996," said William Zen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Frost in British Columbia increased Chai-Na-Ta's average production cost to $14 per pound in 2003 from $12 per pound in 2002. "Nevertheless, our production cost remains below the industry average and we believe that it will decrease in 2004," Mr. Zen commented.

"Our average 2003 selling price was $19 per pound and we continue to lead the industry in terms of key performance measures," added Mr. Zen. "Bulk root prices should increase further, as demand rises for high quality root and value-added products. Our business plan for 2004 includes redeveloping and reintroducing value-added products such as CNT 2000(R), a standardized ginseng powder extract, and slices, teas and capsules.

"Given the positive outlook for our business, we expect Chai-Na-Ta's operating income, net earnings and balance sheet to strengthen in 2004 from 2003 levels," Mr. Zen concluded.

Working capital rose to $14.8 million in 2003 from $12.1 million in 2002. Current liabilities decreased to $2.7 million from $6.5 million in the prior year. In 2003, Chai-Na-Ta repaid a $3.6 million loan to a sister company. Shareholders' equity was up 9% year over year at $31.2 million.

2003 fourth quarter

During the quarter ended December 31, 2003, revenue rose 44% to $4.8 million from $3.3 million in the same quarter last year. Gross margin rose to 51% of sales in the fourth quarter of 2003 from 32% in the 2002 period. Net earnings in the 2003 fourth quarter were $1.2 million, or $0.08 per basic share, compared to $0.7 million, or $0.05 per basic share, in the same period last year.

Chai-Na-Ta Corp., based in Richmond, British Columbia, is the world's largest supplier of North American ginseng. The Company farms, processes and distributes North American ginseng as bulk root, and supplies processed material for the manufacture of value-added ginseng-based products.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that reflect the Company's expectations regarding future events. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual events could differ materially from those projected. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the success of the Company's ongoing research programs, general business conditions, and other risks as outlined in the Company's periodic filings, Annual Report, and Form 20-F.

CHAI-NA-TA CORP.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

                          Three Months Ended      Three Months Ended
                    December 31  December 31 December 31 December 31
                           2003         2002        2003        2002
Fourth Quarter
 Summary                       Canadian $000  (i)US $000 Equivalents
--------------               (except EPS and         (except EPS and
(Unaudited)               shares outstanding)     shares outstanding)

Revenue                $  4,800     $  3,328    $  3,425    $  2,119
Earnings before
 taxes                    1,917          623       1,368         397
Net Earnings for
 the period               1,176          684         839         436
Earnings per share
 - basic                   0.08         0.05        0.06        0.03
 - fully diluted           0.03         0.02        0.02        0.01
Weighted average
 shares outstanding
 - basic             15,113,823   14,264,508  15,113,823  14,264,508
 - fully diluted     34,663,657   34,663,657  34,663,657  34,663,657

                                  Year Ended              Year Ended
                    December 31  December 31 December 31 December 31
                           2003         2002        2003        2002
Annual Summary                 Canadian $000  (i)US $000 Equivalents
--------------               (except EPS and         (except EPS and
                          shares outstanding)     shares outstanding)

Revenue                $ 16,581     $ 16,017    $ 11,831    $ 10,199
Earnings before
 taxes                    3,606            2       2,573           1
Net Earnings for
 the year                 2,551          334       1,820         213
Earnings per share
 - basic                   0.17         0.02        0.12        0.01
 - fully diluted           0.07         0.01        0.05        0.01
Weighted average
 shares outstanding
 - basic             15,113,823   14,264,508  15,113,823  14,264,508
 - fully diluted     34,663,657   34,663,657  34,663,657  34,663,657

(i) US $ Equivalents  - for the period ended December 31, 2003
                         conversion rate used is 1.4015 (0.7135)
                      - for the period ended December 31, 2002
                         conversion rate used is 1.5704 (0.6368)

Amounts in US$ are included solely for the convenience of readers outside Canada. The inclusion of such amounts is not intended to imply that such amounts were transacted in, realized or settled in US$ at this rate or any other rate.