Source: Canadian Cattlemen’s Association
The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) has long been an advocate for free trade, open markets, and the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The CCA congratulates the governments of Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. on reaching an agreement on CUSMA and encourages swift ratification.
Under CUSMA and its predecessor, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the beef industries of Canada, the U.S., and Mexico enjoy reciprocal duty-free trade. The preservation of this trade access was a high priority for the CCA in the renegotiation process.
The experience of the North American beef cattle industries under NAFTA is testament to the value of trade agreements. Access to global markets, including the North American market, means that on average that each animal is worth over $600 CDN more than in comparison to domestic market sales alone.
“CUSMA will allow beef producers across all three of our countries to continue to grow and prosper,” says CCA President David Haywood Farmer. “Being able to sell our products into the markets most willing to pay for them is imperative to the economic health of Canadian, American and Mexican farmers and ranchers alike.”
Cattle producers across all three nations have worked to ensure the value of trade was understood by elected officials during the renegotiation process. The Canada – U.S. beef trading relationship is the largest in the world and trade has significant benefits for both industries.
The CCA will continue to encourage the Government of Canada towards swift ratification and regulatory cooperation across borders, which will further enhance the value of trade and strength of the North American market.
