Canadian ranchers are urging the Canadian government to end the trade agreement with the United Kingdom following Brexit. This move comes as part of an effort to convince the British government to remove barriers blocking Canadian meat exports and resume trade discussions. Tyler Fulton, the president of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA), emphasized the importance of diversifying markets and addressing non-tariff barriers preventing Canadian beef from entering the U.K. market.
Despite a significant increase in British beef imports into Canada, Canadian exports to the U.K. remained minimal in recent years, leading to concerns among ranchers about unfair trade practices. The value of British beef imports to Canada surged by 156% year-over-year, reaching $42.5 million in 2024. Discussions between Canada and the U.K. have been complicated by differences in food safety standards, particularly in the butchering process.
The temporary trade agreement between Canada and the U.K. has faced challenges due to regulatory discrepancies, hindering Canadian beef exports. Efforts to negotiate a permanent bilateral trade agreement have stalled, prompting calls for renewed discussions to resolve market access issues. The Canadian government’s delay in ratifying the U.K.’s entry into the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) has added complexity to the trade landscape.
Canadian ranchers emphasize the need for fair trade practices and urge the government to advocate for their industry. Resolving regulatory barriers could enhance market access for Canadian livestock producers in the U.K. and vice versa. While discussions between trade ministers continue, the future of bilateral trade negotiations remains uncertain, with implications for both countries’ agricultural sectors.
