Canadian ranchers are urging the Canadian government to end the trade agreement with the United Kingdom post-Brexit. This move is part of an effort to urge the British government to address barriers preventing Canadian meat exports and resume trade negotiations. Tyler Fulton, president of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA), emphasized the importance of supporting Canadian beef producers during a news conference on Parliament Hill.
Despite a significant increase in British beef imports into Canada, Canadian beef exports to the U.K. remained minimal over the past two years, leading to concerns among ranchers about unfair trade practices. The value of British beef imports to Canada surged from $16.6 million in 2023 to $42.5 million in 2024, representing a 156% year-over-year rise. From January to August 2025, imports reached $32.2 million, a 19% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Following Brexit in 2020, Canada maintained preferential trade terms with the U.K. under the Canada-Europe Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) until a new bilateral agreement could be negotiated. However, challenges arose due to differences in food safety standards between the two countries, hindering Canadian beef exports to the U.K.
Canadian ranchers argue that the U.K.’s adherence to different safety regulations has impeded Canadian beef sales, despite concessions made by Canada to facilitate market access. Efforts to address these regulatory disparities have been stalled, prompting calls for the resumption of trade negotiations to resolve market access issues.
The recent introduction of legislation to incorporate the U.K. into the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) highlights the U.K.’s pursuit of new trade partnerships post-Brexit. While several CPTPP member countries have ratified the U.K.’s entry, Canada delayed its approval without citing a specific reason. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s meeting with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Ottawa led to the announcement of forthcoming legislation to facilitate the ratification process.
Canadian ranchers emphasize the need for rules-based trade to support beef producers and diversify economic growth. Resolving regulatory barriers could enhance market access for Canadian livestock producers in the U.K., while also creating opportunities for British products in the Canadian market. Despite discussions between trade officials, it remains uncertain when bilateral trade negotiations between Canada and the U.K. will resume.
As the Canadian government aims to expand trade and increase exports to non-U.S. markets, the bill to approve the U.K.’s accession to the CPTPP is pending debate in the House of Commons. The government’s ambition to diversify trade aligns with efforts to address trade barriers and promote economic growth in various sectors, including the agriculture industry.