CCA: Beef producers welcome renewed market access into China

The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) welcomes the news that Canadian beef access to China has been restored after being wrongfully shut out in 2021. We will continue to work with government officials and industry stakeholders to learn more details, including potential safeguard measures.

In addition, CCA was encouraged to see Prime Minister Carney placing a high priority on Canadian export-driven agriculture as an economic driver for Canada and our trade diversification goals.

“We are pleased to see renewed access into China, one of the largest export markets for beef. Every market matters to Canadian beef farmers and ranchers; it supports our industry’s resilience and growth,” said CCA President Tyler Fulton.

“Canadian beef continues to be sought after because it is among the highest quality beef in the world and we appreciate the advocacy of both Prime Minister Carney and our Minister of Agriculture, Heath MacDonald.”

As Canada continues to discuss trade diversification strategies, CCA will continue to stand up for Canadian beef producers, advocating to remove non-tariff barriers in existing markets and working with the government on new free trade agreements to ensure they present significant market opportunities for our sector. This welcomed news reinforces CCA’s trade advocacy at home and abroad.

CCA’s top priority remains strengthening existing trading relationships with trusted trading partners who follow international rules-based trade. “We remain committed to expanding market access for Canadian beef and securing the best trade deals for Canadian beef farmers and ranchers. We look forward to continuing to work with the Government of Canada in pursuing new markets and removing non-tariff and tariff barriers to Canadian beef,” said Fulton.

For close to five years, Canadian beef has not been exported to China. In December 2021, China halted all exports of Canadian beef due to Canada’s atypical case of BSE. Prior to the halt in trade, Canadian beef saw continued growth into the Chinese market.