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news release
Fact Sheet - Trade
Canada is a very important importer and exporter of beef and cattle. In 2002 beef and cattle exports were worth approximately $4 billion and beef and cattle imports were worth approximately $1 billion.
Canada’s major export market for beef and cattle is the USA which, in 2002, accounted for over 80 per cent of our exports of beef and nearly all our exports of cattle. The next most important markets are Mexico, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
The Canadian government greatly values its trading relationships in beef and cattle with these countries. Canada takes very seriously the protection of human and animal health in both its domestic and export markets.
The governments in these countries, as well as the importers, were immediately informed of the case in Alberta. This was done by the Canadian Government and by representatives of the Canada Beef Export Federation.
In addition, Canada informed the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) in Paris and its member countries. The OIE is the world reference body for animal health.
Canada is working particularly closely with the U.S. government agencies in the response to this situation, recognizing the integrated nature of the North American market for cattle, beef and animal feed.
Canada is working very closely with all trading partners and with the OIE to keep them informed and ensure that human and animal health is safeguarded while ensuring the least possible disruption to trade.
For further information:
Blair Comber, International Trade Policy Directorate
AAFC, tel (613) 759-7801; or
Greg giokas, International Markets Bureau
AAFC, tel (613) 759-7636
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