Canada gains full access to Japanese beef market
Japan has been always one of the most critical food markets for Canada and the rest of the world. As one of the Indo-Pacific partners, Japan's food market for Canadian beef and beef products had an estimated value of $518 million in 2022.
However, the export of beef and its products to Japan had been decreased dramatically in the last two decades due to restrictions imposed by Japan. In 2003, after the first case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) was observed in Alberta, Japan imposed restrictions on Canadian beef and beef products. These restrictions had a great impact on the value of our beef market in Japan.
However, these food market restrictions were gradually loosened over time.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, with the support of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, made a lot of efforts over the past few years to increase the quality of cattle products, to regain the lost markets.
This effort has already paid off, and for the first time in two decades, Japan has reopened its markets to Canadian processed beef. This complete food market access has been achieved following a loosening of restrictions on Canadian beef from cattle older than 30 months in 2019.
Currently, Japan is the second largest market for Canadian beef products, and the recent total lifting of restrictions could bring high profits for Canadian beef producers as well as governors. However, this benefit is mutual; The Japanese also take advantage of Canada's high-quality beef products.
Government officials have declared they will stand shoulder to shoulder with ranchers and processors to help Canada's beef products find a bigger share in the world market and especially in the Indo-Pacific food market. They are trying to further remove export barriers, to help the industry support global food security by providing quality beef products. Quality Canadian beef products have the ability to seize other food markets of the world in addition to the Indo-Pacific food markets.
The Indo-Pacific region is ultimately crucial in shaping Canada's future in the next fifty years. This region, in which Japan is included, is the world’s fastest-growing parts which comprises 40 countries and economies. Indo-Pacific has approximately 65% of the world's population, and at least one in five Canadians has family ties to the region.
Given the above, any changes in the Canadian food market and policies are closely related to our relationship with the Indo-Pacific. Half of Canada’s top 13 trading partners are nested in the region, highlighting the importance of trading with the Indo-Pacific.
Regarding changes in this global center of economic dynamism, regaining the beef products market in Japan is extremely important for our country. This is the first step to expanding Canada's influence and increasing trade with the economies of this region.
