February 17, 2014
Canada to expand beef export to Taiwan
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Taiwan and Canada have entered an agreement to expand market access to include Canadian bone-in beef and other specified beef products from animals under 30 months of age (UTM).
The arrangement will level the playing field for Canadian beef producers and generate export opportunities to the lucrative Taiwanese market.
In the next 30 days, the market is expected to open up and it is expected to help Canadian beef exporters expand their sales into the Taiwanese market, at the same time benefiting Taiwanese consumers who will have greater access to Canada's safe, high-quality beef.
Canada currently ships boneless UTM frozen, fresh and chilled beef to Taiwan.
Canadian total exports of these beef products were valued at $1.4 million in 2012, ranking Taiwan as Canada's 18th largest beef export market.
In 2007, Canada regained access to Taiwan for boneless beef derived from UTM animals after the ban imposed because of BSE.
Canadian beef exports to Taiwan were valued at CAD19.8 million (US$18 million) in 2002, ranking Taiwan as Canada's fifth largest export market for beef.
Canada Beef expects the market for UTM bone-in beef to be CAD3.25 million (US$3 million) in 2015, with potential to grow to CAD10 million (US$9.1 million) a year. In 2012, Canada exported beef to over 65 markets, for a total value of CAD1.2 billion (US$1.1 billion).
Agriculture minister Gerry Ritz, said: "Our government welcomes Taiwan's science-based decision to expand market access for Canadian beef. Advancing agricultural trade in growing Asian markets like Taiwan is just one way our government is helping our agriculture exporters boost their competitiveness around the world."
Ed Fast, International Trade Minister said: "Economic growth is a key priority for our government, and that's why we are working to create new market opportunities for the Canadian cattle and beef industries. New access creates new sources of prosperity and jobs for Canadian businesses of all sizes and their workers."
Chuck MacLean, Canada Beef Chairman said: "Our industry is very well positioned to take advantage of this expanded access. The federal government has been working tirelessly to provide market access and we are ready to turn this into value for Canadian beef and veal producers."
