Canada expands Taiwan market for Canadian beef

Canada regains market access to Taiwan for Canadian beef and beef products from animals over-30-months (OTM) of age.

In 2003, Taiwan imposed import restrictions on both under-30 month and over-30 month Canadian beef, following the discovery of Canada’s first domestic case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Canada regained Taiwan market access for under-30 month beef in July 2016. In 2021, Canada was officially recognized by the World Organisation of Animal Health having negligible risk status for BSE.

This regained access will offer an opportunity to expand Canadian beef exports to Taiwan and diversify export markets in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Expanding our trade relationships in the Indo-Pacific region is a top priority for the Government of Canada, and Taiwan presents many opportunities for Canada’s beef sector. Canada exports nearly half of its agriculture production and, as a trusted supplier, our high-quality products are sought-after around the globe,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, agriculture and agri-food minister.

In 2022, Canada was the seventh largest supplier of beef and beef products to Taiwan, accounting for nearly $14 million. In 2022, Taiwan’s global imports of beef and beef products reached $1.9 billion, with the top suppliers being the U.S. ($1 billion), Paraguay ($288 million), Australia ($280 million) and New Zealand ($172 million).