Minister Heath MacDonald leads trade mission to expand market access for Canadian beef and red meat products
The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, completed a week-long mission to China focused on growing agricultural trade and promoting Canada’s high-quality beef and red meat products.
The visit included meetings with Chinese government officials, business leaders, and Canadian exporters. It reaffirmed Canada’s goal of expanding cooperation and improving market access for agricultural producers.
Strengthening Cooperation on Food Safety and Trade
In Beijing, Minister MacDonald met with Sun Meijun, Minister of the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC). Together, they agreed to renew a Memorandum of Understanding between the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and GACC.
The renewed agreement will strengthen work on animal and plant health, as well as food safety standards. Technical working groups will meet this month to identify next steps. These efforts aim to support global food security and create economic benefits for both countries.
Minister MacDonald also met with Huang Sanwen, President of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Their discussion focused on research collaboration in sustainability, productivity, and innovation — areas that directly support Canadian beef producers.
New Canadian Meat Advocacy Office Opens in Beijing
A major highlight of the mission was the opening of the Canadian Meat Advocacy Office in Beijing. The new office will help Canada’s red meat sector build stronger relationships in China and address trade issues more effectively.
The office is a partnership between the Canadian Meat Council, Canadian Pork Council, and Canadian Cattle Association, with support from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s AgriMarketing Program. It will provide an on-the-ground presence for Canadian exporters and help promote beef and pork as premium, safe, and trusted products.
“China remains an important market for Canadian exporters,” said Minister Heath MacDonald. “Being here allowed me to meet with my counterparts, listen to stakeholders, and see the opportunities and challenges firsthand. I’m committed to keeping the conversation going and supporting our hardworking farmers and producers.”
Showcasing Canadian Food and Innovation
In Shanghai and Qingdao, the Minister met with Canadian and Chinese partners to explore new opportunities for Canadian brands. He visited the Canada Pavilion at the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo (CFSE), where 36 exhibitors showcased over 50 product categories.
Exhibitors reported strong results, with $40 million in on-site sales and an estimated $100 million in future business. The Pavilion highlighted the strength of the Canada Brand, which promotes trust, quality, and sustainability worldwide.
The Minister also visited local retail and restaurant locations carrying Canadian products. These included a new Rôtisseries Benny restaurant, premium grocery chain Hema, and CoolFarms, a vertical greenhouse using Canadian technology. Each visit provided insight into Chinese consumer preferences and future export opportunities.
Renewed Focus on Market Access and Collaboration
China remains Canada’s second-largest market for agriculture, agri-food, and seafood exports, with sales of $9.7 billion in 2024. Strengthening the relationship supports both Canadian farmers and processors who depend on reliable export markets.
The mission concluded at the Canada China Business Council Business Forum, where Minister MacDonald emphasized Canada’s commitment to constructive, practical trade relations.
Through this visit, Canada aims to deepen cooperation with China and continue expanding opportunities for the red meat industry and the wider agri-food sector.
