January 10, 2011

Canada's beef exports rebound firmly

Canadian beef and veal exports are rebounding strongly, led by sales to Japan which jumped by 81% in the first 11 months of the previous year.

The 13,277 tonnes shipped to the world's third-largest importer of beef through the end of November were worth US$67 million, according to the Canadian Beef Export Federation, up almost 6,000 tonnes and US$26 million over the same period in 2009.

While the numbers do not approach the 29,000 tonnes being exported to Japan in 2001, before a Canadian cow tested positive for mad cow disease in 2003 and international borders shut, it also reflects the fact the country still only accepts beef from Canadian cattle under 21 months. Negotiations to expand the market to cattle less than 30 months are ongoing.