Canada gets access for live cattle exports to key ASEAN markets

The Government of Canada has secured access for its live cattle to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) markets, as well as sheep and goat genetics exports.

Canadian farmers will be able to export their live cattle to the Philippines, and sheep and goat genetics to Indonesian and Philippine markets.

Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay said: “Canada is building strong markets around the world, which will benefit our farmers and food processors.

“These recent market access gains are setting the stage for deeper bilateral economic relations between Canada and the ASEAN region, and will contribute to our government’s goal of reaching $75bn ($57bn) in agri-food exports by 2025.”

According to the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association, the export market of live cattle to the Philippines is estimated to be worth C$8m ($6m), while exports of sheep and goat genetics to Indonesia and the Philippines could amount to C$100,000 ($77,051) on an annual basis.

The Philippines and Indonesia are said to be important markets for Canadian agri-food exporters and producers.

Last year, Canada exported more than C$325m ($250m) worth of agriculture products to the Philippines and imported over C$185m ($142m).

Canada Minister of International Trade Diversification Jim Carr said: “Increasing trade with fast-growing and dynamic markets such as those in the ASEAN region is an important part of our government’s trade diversification strategy.

“Securing new market access for Canadian businesses of all sizes creates jobs for the middle-class, allowing them to compete and succeed in new markets around the world.”