Why did China ban Canadian beef exports?

China banned Canadian beef exports in December 2021 due to an atypical case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) on an Alberta farm.

When can Canadian beef be shipped to China again?

Although the ban was lifted, Canadian beef producers are still preparing to meet China's import requirements and may start shipping in the coming weeks.

What is the current status of Canadian beef exports to China?

China has lifted its ban, but Canadian beef must now compete for access under China's general import quota system, which includes tariffs.

Home / Business and Economy / China Lifts Beef Ban: Canadian Cattle Sector Sees Hope

China Lifts Beef Ban: Canadian Cattle Sector Sees Hope

21 Jan

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Summary

China has ended its ban on Canadian beef exports, a policy in place since December 2021.
This decision follows improved political and economic relations between Canada and China.
Canada must now compete for market access under China's general beef import quota system.

China Lifts Beef Ban: Canadian Cattle Sector Sees Hope

China has officially lifted its ban on Canadian beef exports, which had been in place since December 2021. This significant development follows a period of improved political and economic relations between the two nations, with a recent trade deal impacting tariffs on Canadian agricultural products.

The removal of the ban offers a crucial opportunity for the Canadian beef industry to re-enter a market that was its fourth-largest export destination in 2021. Industry representatives express eagerness to see sales grow, similar to pre-ban levels.

Despite the ban's end, immediate market access is not guaranteed. Canada was not assigned a country-specific quota and must now compete under China's general import quota, which has specific tariff safeguards. Canadian companies are actively preparing to meet import requirements.