OTTAWA, ONTARIO – The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of International Trade, today announced that South Korea has lifted its temporary ban on imports of beef and veal from Canada, effective December 30, 2015. Imports of Canadian beef and veal were temporarily suspended in response to the February 2015 detection of an isolated case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Canada.
In 2014, prior to the suspension of trade, South Korea was Canada's sixth-largest market for beef with exports valued at $26 million. Access to this market will help Canadian beef and veal exporters expand their sales, while also benefiting Korean consumers who will have greater access to Canada's safe, high-quality meat products.
Quotes
"Our government welcomes South Korea's decision to lift its temporary ban on Canadian beef and veal products. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring the competitiveness and long-term prosperity of our agricultural sector."
– Hon. Lawrence MacAulay, P.C., M.P., Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
"Our government is pleased that the South Korean market has reopened to Canadian beef and veal. This is welcomed news as we celebrate the one year anniversary of the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement on January 1, 2016. South Korea is an important market for Canadian exporters and this positive development is a testament to our close commercial relationship."
– Hon. Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of International Trade
"Resumption of access to South Korea is important for Canada's beef producers. South Korea holds huge potential for beef and especially cuts and offals that are underutilized here at home. Korea is a market that will pay more for those select items and that helps to increase the overall value of the animal for producers."
– Canadian Cattlemen's Association President Dave Solverson
"Canada's internationally competitive and export-dependent livestock and meat sector is a driver of economic growth and a provider of jobs in every region of this country. When meat exports increase, sales opportunities for farmers rise, job opportunities for workers expand, and Canadians benefit from greater economic growth."
– Canadian Meat Council President Joe Reda
Quick Facts
— In 2014, Canada was the fourth largest exporter, after Australia, the United States and New Zealand, of beef exports to the South Korean market. — In 2014, Canada exported beef to more than 60 markets, for a total value of $1.9 billion.
Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
