Canadian ranchers are urging the Canadian government to end the trade agreement with the United Kingdom post-Brexit. This move is part of an effort to prompt the British government to lift barriers on Canadian meat exports and resume negotiations. Tyler Fulton, the President of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA), emphasized the need for Canadian parliamentarians to support beef producers in diversifying markets amid uncertain geopolitical conditions.
Despite a significant increase in British beef imports to Canada, Canadian beef exports to the U.K. have been minimal in recent years, leading to concerns among ranchers about the fairness of the situation. The value of British beef imports into Canada surged from $16.6 million in 2023 to $42.5 million in 2024, marking a 156% year-over-year rise. Imports amounted to $32.2 million from January to August 2025, up by 19% compared to the same period in 2024.
Following Brexit, Canada continued to offer preferential trade terms to the U.K. under the Canada-Europe Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) until a new bilateral agreement could be negotiated. However, challenges related to differing food safety standards have hindered Canadian beef exports to the U.K. Canadian ranchers argue that despite making concessions to meet EU and U.K. regulations, their exports continue to face obstacles.
The CCA contends that the U.K. is violating the terms of the continuity agreement by imposing restrictive regulations on Canadian beef. Efforts to address market access issues through scientific and technical committees have stalled, prompting ranchers to call for a resolution. The recent introduction of legislation for the U.K.’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) underscores the importance of trade diversification post-Brexit.
Fulton stressed the need for the government to advocate for Canadian beef producers and uphold rules-based trade to facilitate economic growth. Resolving regulatory barriers could enhance market access for Canadian livestock producers in the U.K. and vice versa. While discussions between trade ministers continue, the resumption of bilateral trade negotiations remains uncertain. Despite calls for support from Canadian ranchers, the timeline for ratifying the U.K.’s CPTPP membership and deepening trade ties remains to be seen.
In a speech outlining trade ambitions, Prime Minister Mark Carney highlighted the goal of doubling exports to non-U.S. markets over the next decade, emphasizing the importance of trade diversification for Canada’s economic growth.