Canada has regained market access to Taiwan for Canadian beef and beef products from animals over-30 months of age, the federal government announced Friday.
The regained access will offer an opportunity to expand Canadian beef exports to Taiwan and diversify export markets in the Indo-Pacific region, Ottawa said in a release.
“Expanding our trade relationships in the Indo-Pacific region is a top priority for the Government of Canada, and Taiwan presents many opportunities for Canada’s beef sector,” Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said.
In 2003, Taiwan imposed import restrictions on both under-30 month and over-30 month Canadian beef, following the discovery of Canada’s first domestic case of BSE. Canada regained Taiwan market access for under-30 month beef in July 2016, but market access for beef from older animals was blocked until now. In 2021, Canada was officially recognized by the World Organization of Animal Health having negligible risk status for BSE.
In 2022, Canada was the 7th largest supplier of beef and beef products to Taiwan, accounting for nearly $14 million. Taiwan’s total global imports of beef and beef products last year reached $1.9 billion, with the top suppliers being the US ($1 billion), Paraguay ($288 million), Australia ($280 million) and New Zealand ($172 million).
Ottawa said it will continue to work with its cattle and beef industry to maintain access to priority markets and promote Canadian products worldwide.
