Canada set to resume beef exports to Australia after more than 20 years

July 29, 2025

RED FM News Desk

Canadian beef and beef products will soon be exported to Australia for the first time since 2003, according to confirmation from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). This marks a significant milestone, as Canada prepares to re-enter the Australian market after more than two decades.

The CFIA stated that Australia has officially lifted longstanding restrictions on beef imports from Canada and other countries. This development presents a major economic opportunity for Canadian farmers and the beef processing industry, while also contributing to global food security. According to the agency, access to premium markets like Australia can help boost Canadian exports, open up new revenue streams, create jobs, and strengthen local economies.

Australia originally imposed a ban on Canadian beef imports in 2003 following cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease. Many other countries enacted similar bans at the time. However, with BSE now considered a minimal risk, several nations have begun easing their import restrictions. In 2021, the World Organization for Animal Health officially classified Canada as a “negligible risk” country for BSE.

Ryder Lee, General Manager of the Canadian Cattle Association, welcomed the move, calling it a positive step. “We want all countries to adopt science-based trade policies, just as we do. It’s great to see Australia moving in that direction,” he said.

In 2024, Canada’s total exports of agriculture and agri-food products (excluding fish and seafood) reached $92.2 billion, up from $91.6 billion in 2023. This reflects a steady increase in Canada’s agri-food export performance.

Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Heath MacDonald, expressed his enthusiasm for the new trade opportunity. “Canada is known worldwide for producing high-quality beef — a reflection of our farmers’ dedication and hard work,” he said. “Strengthening trade with a key Indo-Pacific partner like Australia opens up new opportunities for our producers and helps grow our economy.”

It is still unclear how much Canada’s beef export revenue will increase because of renewed access to the Australian market, but the move is widely seen as a positive development for the sector. A request for a comment sent to the CFIA by Global News has not yet received a response.