Canadian beef is set to resume shipments to China after authorities eased an import ban that had been in place since 2021, Canada’s agriculture minister said, though analysts cautioned that export volumes are likely to be limited.
The reopening of the Chinese market follows a visit by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, during which he reached an agreement with Chinese leaders to lower tariffs and expand trade in several agricultural commodities, including canola.
“We know that there’s a large company that’s shipping its first load of beef to China next week,” Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald said on Tuesday. He added earlier on social media that “China has lifted market access for Canadian beef.”
China’s customs agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Analysts said the move is unlikely to have a significant near-term impact on Canadian beef exports or domestic prices. North America is currently facing a tight supply of cattle, pushing beef prices to historically high levels.
“China reopening or expanding access for Canadian beef won’t move food prices in Canada in any meaningful way,” said Sylvain Charlebois, a food market expert known as The Food Professor.
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