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By Alice McFarlane

China reopens border to Canadian Beef

Canadian beef producers welcome renewed market access into China

Jan 20, 2026 | 9:43 AM

China is accepting Canadian beef for the first time since 2021.

Canadian beef has been shut out of the Chinese market since December 2021 when a case of atypical BSE was discovered in an 8½-year-old Alberta beef cow that did not enter the food supply.

Until that point Canadian beef saw continued growth into the Chinese market.

The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) welcomed the news that Canadian beef access to China has been restored. CCA President Tyler Fulton was encouraged to see Prime Minister Carney placing a high priority on Canadian export-driven agriculture as an economic driver for Canada and trade diversification goals.

“We are pleased to see renewed access into China, one of the largest export markets for beef. Every market matters to Canadian beef farmers and ranchers; it supports our industry’s resilience and growth,” Fulton said. “Canadian beef continues to be sought after because it is among the highest quality beef in the world and we appreciate the advocacy of both Prime Minister Carney and our Minister of Agriculture, Heath MacDonald.”

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CCA said it will continue to stand up for Canadian beef producers to remove non-tariff barriers in existing markets and working with the government on new free trade agreements to ensure they present market opportunities for the sector. Fulton said this welcomed news reinforces CCA’s trade advocacy at home and abroad.

He said CCA’s top priority remains strengthening existing trading relationships with trusted trading partners who follow international rules-based trade.

“We remain committed to expanding market access for Canadian beef and securing the best trade deals for Canadian beef farmers and ranchers,” he said. “We look forward to continuing to work with the Government of Canada in pursuing new markets and removing non-tariff and tariff barriers to Canadian beef.”

CCA said in a statement they will continue to work with government officials and industry stakeholders to learn more details, including potential safeguard measures.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com