Canadian beef groups urge Ottawa to exclude beef from Mercosur trade deal

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Industry groups say Canada is already one of the most import-reliant beef markets in the world, with roughly 30 per cent of domestic consumption supplied by imports — a higher share than in the United States, European Union or Australia. They argue that additional low-cost imports from Mercosur countries could stall herd rebuilding efforts, reduce domestic production, and increase reliance on foreign supply. 

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The groups also raised concerns about animal health and regulatory standards in parts of the Mercosur region, including past issues with foot-and-mouth disease and transparency in reporting bovine spongiform encephalopathy. 

National Cattle Feeders’ Association chair Brad Deleeuw said protecting animal health is foundational to Canada’s beef industry and must remain an absolute priority.

“Including beef access from regions with a history of disease and inconsistent sanitary compliance puts our national herd — and rural economies — at unacceptable risk,” Deleeuw said.

Producers also argue that differences in labour, environmental and animal health standards create an uneven playing field, allowing lower-cost imports to undercut Canadian beef raised under stricter regulations. 

While the associations said they support trade diversification, they caution that any expansion must deliver reciprocal benefits and new export opportunities, rather than simply increasing imports. 

They also point to Canada’s deeply integrated North American supply chain and warn that a rushed deal could complicate relations ahead of a planned review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. 

“Trade diversification only works if it expands export opportunities — not if it simply increases imports,” Fulton said. 

The groups said they remain willing to work with Ottawa on trade strategies that strengthen the sector but are urging negotiators to exclude beef from any Mercosur agreement. 

“The Canadian beef sector has the potential to help propel our economy forward,” Deleeuw said. “But that requires government to work beside us — not against us.” 

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com