CCA Opposes Beef Access in a Mercosur Trade Deal 

The Government of Canada is looking to finalize a trade agreement with Mercosur which includes the largest, lowest-cost beef producers in the world. Canadian beef is a main sticking point in negotiations, but Canadian beef farmers and ranchers should not be used as a bargaining chip.  
A beef deal with Mercosur risks undermining farmers and ranchers at a time when we are rebuilding the Canadian cattle herd. We have nothing to gain and much to lose in these negotiations.  

Increased imports would displace the families and businesses who raise cattle in Canada. It would also hurt the rebuilding of the herd across Canada, rural communities and go against our environmental goals.  We cannot support a trade deal that will negatively impact Canadian farmers and ranchers and instead incentivize increased beef production in other countries where standards are much lower. This sends the wrong signal to Canadian farm families and the next generation of Canadian farmers who want to grow beef for Canadians.   

◦ Canadian beef cannot be used as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations.  

◦ Any further imports will displace Canadian beef producers who contribute, employ and sustain rural communities across Canada. 

◦ Increased access would hinder the rebuilding of the Canadian beef herd; increasing low-cost, low-quality beef imports will discourage increasing beef production in Canada. 

◦ Increased Mercosur imports would undermine Canada’s environmental goals.  Beef raised in Canada generates 50% fewer emissions and helps protect grasslands –one of the world’s most endangered ecosystems.  

◦ Mercosur beef has lower standards in labour, environment, quality, animal health and food safety.  

In 2025, Canadian beef imports were the highest since 1993, representing an estimated 30% of domestic consumption. This is the largest import share since 2001-2002 when 32% of our beef was imported. If imports were going to lower beef prices, it would have already done so. Our current market is being driven by strong consumer demand.   
 
In addition, lower‑priced imports are a short‑term and misleading solution. Beef production operates in long cattle cycles. Undermining Canadian producers with low‑cost imports discourages herd rebuilding, which ultimately reduces domestic supply and increases long‑term price volatility. Relying on imports does not fix the root causes of supply challenges and weakens Canada’s food security.  

We support trade diversification that is reciprocal and rules‑based. In the case of Mercosur, the data shows no meaningful export opportunity for Canadian beef, while imports are already rising sharply. Trade diversification should not come at the expense of Canada’s domestic production base or our most important trading relationships.