The Canadian beef sector is export-dependent. Each year Canada exports about half the value of the live cattle we raise and the beef that we produce. The United States accounts for 75% of those exports and Mexico accounts for 5%. As such, Canada’s trade relationships within North America are absolute to the success of our sector.
Over the last 10 years, Canadian live cattle and beef exports have seen tremendous growth, driven largely by demand from the United States. While this is a good news story, our industry is disproportionately dependent on the American market. While our sector works to diversify in other global markets, the current geopolitical environment can make that challenging.