Canadian beef, pork industries oppose U.K.’s accession to CPTPP

The Canadian Meat Council (CMC), Canadian Cattle Association (CCA), and the Canadian Pork Council (CPC) are disappointed with the federal government’s decision to grant the United Kingdom accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

“The CPTPP has, until now, provided a high standard for trade liberalization, but this agreement with the U.K. seems to leave a significant barrier in place. It does not meet this standard of open trade, and will undermine ambition with future entrants,” said a media statement.

The beef and pork sectors call on Parliamentarians to reject this ascension when it comes to a vote until these barriers are addressed.

Under the current system, there is no viable market access for beef and pork, so the sector is calling on the government to ensure the Canadian/United Kingdom bilateral agreement currently being negotiated will guarantee fair access.

Failing that, they are asking Parliament to ensure producers and processors of both products are fairly compensated for the resultant damages and losses.

The main area of ​​concern for the industry is U.K.’s decision to not accept Canada’s food safety and animal health systems and measures. These non-tariff barriers limit Canadian companies’ access to the U.K. market. Additionally, there is a lack of reciprocal tariff measures. Further, an interim measure allows British beef and pork full access to the Canadian market.

Under the interim agreement (Canada UK Trade Continuity Agreement) that replicates the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), in the past two years, the U.K. has exported more than 7,000 tonnes of beef valued at almost $40 million to Canada. In contrast, Canada exported 657 tonnes of beef valued at $7.6 million to the U.K. in 2021 and zero in 2022. The situation for pork is equally poor – the U.K. shipped 1,300 tonnes of pork valued at $10 million in 2022 and Canada shipped $0 pork to the U.K.

“Canada’s red meat sector has traditionally been vocal in its support of free trade. Fair and open market access has allowed both the beef and pork industries to thrive, so our opposition is not something we have entered into lightly or without consideration,” said Chris White, president and CEO of the Canadian Meat Council.

The “announcement granting the U.K. accession to the CPTPP is a disappointing development for the Canadian pork industry. The inclusion of the U.K. without adequate safeguards and market access provisions for Canadian pork raises concerns about potential imbalances and unfair competition. We strongly urge the government to address these issues promptly and ensure Canadian pork producers are not disadvantaged in this new trade landscape,” added Stephen Heckbert, executive director of the Canadian Pork Council.