OTTAWA, Canada – Marie-Claude Bibeau, minister of agriculture and agri-food and Mary Ng, minister of international trade, export promotion, small business and economic development, announced that the government of Canada has regained market access to Taiwan for Canadian beef and beef products from animals over 30-months (OTM) of age.
“Expanding our trade relationships in the Indo-Pacific region is a top priority for the Government of Canada, and Taiwan presents many opportunities for Canada’s beef sector. Canada exports nearly half of its agriculture production and, as a trusted supplier, our high-quality products are sought-after around the globe,” said minister Marie-Claude Bibeau.
In 2003, Taiwan imposed import restrictions on both under 30 months and over 30 months Canadian beef, following the discovery of Canada’s first domestic case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Canada regained Taiwan market access for under 30 months beef in July 2016.
In 2021, Canada was officially recognized by the World Organisation of Animal Health as having negligible risk status for BSE.
This regained access will offer an opportunity to expand Canadian beef exports to Taiwan and diversify export markets in the Indo-Pacific region, while contributing to global food security, benefiting global consumers with access to high-quality beef products.
The government of Canada will continue to work with its cattle and beef industry to maintain access to priority markets and promote Canadian products worldwide.
“This is great news for our Canadian beef farmers, as it provides an opportunity for expanded exports of Canadian beef to Taiwan, a key market in the Indo-Pacific region. Our government will keep opening new markets for Canadian businesses, strengthening our trade ties and economy back home,” said minister Ng.
Quick facts
- In 2022, Canada was the 7th largest supplier of beef and beef products to Taiwan, accounting for nearly $14 million.
- In 2022, Taiwan’s global imports of beef and beef products reached $1.9 billion, with the top suppliers being the US ($1 billion), Paraguay ($288 million), Australia ($280 million) and New Zealand ($172 million).
- Canada’s agriculture and agri-food exports have continued to increase despite sector challenges, reaching over $93.9 billion in 2022 and surpassing a previous target to grow agri-food exports to at least $75 billion by 2025.
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