Canadian Beef Gains Access to Australia’s Market After 22 Years

Download IPFS

On July 29, 2025, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced that Canadian beef exports to Australia have resumed for the first time since 2003. The original suspension followed a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), which led to strict biosecurity restrictions. Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) approved the imports following a comprehensive food safety risk assessment, confirming that Canadian chilled and frozen beef meets Australian biosecurity standards.

This development aligns with Canada’s trade goals under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Australia’s decision is expected to enhance market access for Canadian producers and improve carcass value by creating demand for underutilized beef cuts. While Australia is not one of Canada’s largest markets, the opening offers new export opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region.

Nathan Phinney, President of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA), welcomed the announcement, stating it would strengthen Canada’s contribution to global food security. In 2023, Canada exported approximately C$6.7 billion in beef and live cattle, with the Indo-Pacific region playing a growing role, particularly due to tariff reductions under CPTPP. Markets like Japan already account for hundreds of millions in annual exports.

Canada’s compliance with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) standards was key to the market reopening. The CFIA ensured all export requirements were met, including certification for boneless beef from cattle under 30 months of age. This milestone followed several years of scientific review, site assessments, and updates to export protocols.

The CCA has also expressed concern about persistent non-tariff barriers in other CPTPP countries, such as the United Kingdom, and called for reciprocal market access. While Canada’s success with Australia marks a positive step, it also highlights uneven progress for other trading partners navigating Australia’s cautious biosecurity approach.