OTTAWA — The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) is pleased to learn that Mexico will fully reopen its market to Canadian beef, as announced yesterday during meetings between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto.
“Canadian farmers are grateful to learn of Mexico’s decision to alleviate a long-standing trade concern, and CFA applauds the Government of Canada for its efforts to reach a solution,” said CFA President Ron Bonnett. “The industry has been actively working on this issue and as a result, beef producers will be well positioned to expand their businesses.”
Mexico banned all imports of cattle following the 2003 outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), and had lifted some restrictions later that year but not for cattle or beef from cattle over 30 months of age.
Mexico is Canada’s third largest trading partner, with two-way merchandise trade reaching over $37.8 billion in 2015, according to government figures. Approximately six per cent of Canadian beef exports are destined for Mexico and this is poised to grow. Given the recent uncertainty in international trade agreements in general, and now particularly in Europe, this progress is a positive development.
CFA urges the government to continue working with international partners to remove outstanding trade barriers linked to BSE, and to ensure that access gained in future agreements is not eroded by non-tariff barriers, regulatory burdens, differing standards or other restrictions.