Canadian beef producers celebrate new trade agreement with Indonesia

The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA), representing 60,000 beef producers across the country, is excited about the newly announced trade agreement between Canada and Indonesia. This development came during the Team Canada Trade Mission to Indonesia, where Canada’s Minister of International Trade signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a bilateral dialogue on sanitary and phytosanitary issues. This MOU is part of the broader Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

CCA President Nathan Phinney expressed gratitude for the hard work of Canadian negotiators who secured tariff-free access for Canadian beef and addressed sector-specific challenges.

“We thank the Government of Canada negotiating team for the positive outcomes of both CEPA and the MOU specific to beef,” Phinney said.

The CEPA also includes provisions on import licensing, which will enhance transparency and predictability for the Canadian beef sector. This is a significant step forward as global demand for beef continues to rise, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

During the trade mission, CCA participated in market visits with Canada Beef and received positive feedback from retailers, who noted a growing customer preference for high-quality grain-finished beef.

Looking ahead, the CCA is optimistic about the CEPA’s potential to diversify markets and create new opportunities for Canadian beef producers to compete globally and expand their reach.