Canadian beef producers have regained access to the Australian market for the first time since 2003, following an announcement from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirming the reopening of trade between the two countries. This milestone marks a significant step forward in Canada’s Indo-Pacific trade strategy and is expected to deliver strong economic benefits to the country’s beef sector.
Australia had closed its market to Canadian beef after the detection of Canada’s first domestic case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in 2003. However, in 2021, Canada was officially designated as having negligible risk for BSE by the World Organisation for Animal Health, paving the way for renewed trade opportunities.
The restoration of beef exports to Australia presents a valuable opportunity for Canadian farmers, processors, and exporters to expand their reach in a key Indo-Pacific market. As one of the world’s top beef exporters—ranking eighth by volume in 2024—Canada continues to demonstrate its commitment to food safety, quality assurance, and global trade.
The re-entry into the Australian market aligns with Canada’s broader Indo-Pacific Strategy, launched in 2022 to bolster economic and diplomatic partnerships in the region. A cornerstone of this initiative is the Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office (IPAAO), which opened in Manila, Philippines, in February 2024. The IPAAO supports Canadian agri-food exporters by fostering regulatory cooperation, identifying new trade opportunities, and enhancing Canada’s presence in the region.
In 2024, Canada’s agri-food exports (excluding fish and seafood) reached $92.2 billion, up from $91.6 billion in 2023. With the Australian market reopened, the Canadian beef industry is poised to contribute further to this growth, strengthening rural economies and supporting job creation across the supply chain.
The CFIA emphasized that this achievement reflects the strength of Canada’s inspection systems and science-based regulatory practices, reinforcing its reputation as a global leader in food safety and animal health.
As Canadian beef once again reaches Australian consumers, the renewed trade relationship not only supports economic development at home but also enhances global food security by increasing access to high-quality protein products.
