China reopened its market to Canadian beef, lifting a ban that had been in place since 2021 and offering a potential boost to ranchers and processors across the country.
The breakthrough came in January during a visit to Beijing by Prime Minister Mark Carney, where Canadian and Chinese officials announced a new trade agreement covering canola oil, seafood and beef.
The deal restores access to what had once been one of Canada’s most valuable export destinations.
“What we have done with China is to rectify some issues that have developed in the last couple of years,” Carney said in a statement after his visit, reaffirming the new chapter for both countries.
Ban lifted after BSE case
China suspended imports of Canadian beef in 2021 after an atypical case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), more commonly known as mad cow disease, was detected in an Alberta cow.
Prior to the ban, China had been one of the top buyers of Canadian beef, at one point importing more than $200 million annually.
Albert Eringfeld, vice-president of export market development for Canada Beef, said regaining access to a major buyer like China is a positive development for the sector.
“This is all good news, not only for the suppliers and exporters, but also for our beef cattle farmers,” said Eringfeld. “It allows us to diversify into more markets than where we are exporting at the moment.”
That diversification has become increasingly important.
Canadian beef exports to the United States — historically worth about $6 billion annually — have fallen sharply after tariffs of up to 25 per cent were imposed in February 2025.
The industry estimates that the tariffs have reduced export value by $2.5 billion, affecting everyone from processors to transportation.
Alberta, in particular, is heavily affected by these market shifts, as the province accounts for about 40 per cent of the national herd.
Tariffs add pressure on exports
China’s demand profile also complements North American consumption patterns, according to an online statement released by the Canadian Cattle Association.
“China was our second or third-largest market prior to the suspension in early 2021,” said CCA vice-president Dennis Laycraft. “That part of the world has a particularly strong demand for things like short ribs, a range of cuts we wouldn’t normally see here.”
Concerns remain about market stability
While the news is being welcomed, there are still concerns.
“There’s always the risk that there could be market disruptions for whatever reason,” said Eringfeld.
Canada and China have experienced trade tensions in the past, and sudden suspensions have affected agricultural exports before.
For now, however, the industry sees China’s reopening as a timely opportunity — one that could strengthen resilience as Canada works to expand global beef trade.