January 20, 2009
Canada seals beef export agreement with Hong Kong
Canada has secured an agreement in-principle with Hong Kong that will expand the market to more Canadian beef.
All commercially-significant Canadian beef exports will have access to the Hong Kong market after exporters meet Hong Kong's requirements.
The first stage of the process gives Canadian beef producers access to the Hong Kong market for rib cuts and most bone-in beef products (excluding vertebral column cuts) from cattle under 30-months of age.
After meeting Hong Kong's requirements during the first four-month phase-in period, Hong Kong will allow rib cuts, boneless beef and offal from all Canadian cattle.
If Hong Kong's remaining requirements are met by the end of this calendar year, it will open its borders to all remaining Canadian beef exports from cattle under thirty months of age, including T-bones and porterhouse steaks.
The Canada Beef Export Federation estimates that the improved access could mean an increase in Canadian beef exports to Hong Kong by as much as C$26 million (US$20.7 million), almost doubling current exports.
