Canadian Beef Headed Back to China after Near Five-Year Hiatus

Jan 21, 2026

It appears Canadian beef is headed back to China after years of being shut out, following a new trade agreement between Ottawa and Beijing aimed at easing tariffs and restoring market access for several key agricultural products. 

According to Canadian Press report Tuesday. Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald said he’s aware of a Canadian company shipping its first load of beef to China next week under the new agreement. China has also reportedly purchased a cargo of Canadian canola for delivery in March. 

The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) welcomed the news, calling the restoration of access long overdue after Canadian beef was wrongfully shut out of the Chinese market in 2021. 

“We are pleased to see renewed access into China, one of the largest export markets for beef,” said CCA President Tyler Fulton. “Every market matters to Canadian beef farmers and ranchers; it supports our industry’s resilience and growth.” 

Fulton said Canadian beef continues to be in strong demand globally due to its quality and safety standards, and credited both Prime Minister Mark Carney and MacDonald for prioritizing export-driven agriculture as part of Canada’s broader trade diversification strategy. 

The CCA said it will continue working with federal officials to better understand the details of China’s reopening, including any potential safeguard measures that could apply. 

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