Saudi Arabia reopens market to Canadian beef

Canada will re-access the lucrative Saudi Arabian beef market for the first time since the mad cow disease -related ban in 2003.  

Canadian agriculture minister Gerry Ritz has confirmed the agreement following his meeting with Saudi Arabian minister of commerce and industry Abdullah Bin Ahmed Zeinal Alireza in Riyadh this week.

Saudi Arabia --previously Canada's sixth largest market for exports of beef before the BSE ban in 2003--will accept Canadian boneless beef exports from animals less than 30 months of age. The two countries are also working on extensive negotiations of fully reopening access for Canadian beef exports.

The Canada Beef Export Federation said full market access to Saudi Arabia would re-establish previous export levels worth nearly C$6 million (US$4.75 million).

Minister Ritz was in Saudi Arabia as part of a Middle East mission to create and expand new marketing opportunities for Canadian producers. During his visit to Riyadh, Minister Ritz met key importers and Saudi government ministers. Minister Ritz and his counterpart Agriculture Minister H.E. Dr. Fahd Bin Abdulrahman Balghunaim directed officials to resolve market access issues.

The trade also follows an agreement that gives Canadian beef exporters full market access to Jordan, following Minister Ritz' visit this week to Amman. The Canadian official will also reiterate Canada's commitment to working with Jordan on the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement.

The Canada Beef Export Federation estimates that the value of Canadian beef exports to Jordan could rise to as much as C$1 million annually.

US$1 = CAD1.26313 (Feb 18)