Canadian meat gains expanded access to Ukrainian market

Canadian pork and beef has gained expanded access to the Ukrainian market, as Ukraine opens its doors to imports from more Canadian beef and pork producers.

Canada’s federal government announced that Ukraine has approved beef and pork exports from any Canadian federally registered establishment that meets certification requirements. Following a successful inspection last September by Ukrainian authorities, 15 additional Canadian beef and pork establishments are now eligible to export to the country, bringing the current total to 27.

“The Government of Canada is working to create new trade opportunities for Canadian farmers and agri-food exporters in key markets all over the world. We are pleased to supply world-class beef and pork to Ukraine, maximizing export returns for the benefit of Canadian producers,” says Lawrence MacAulay, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

“Our government is pleased that the Ukrainian market has opened to more Canadian beef and pork producers. Ukraine is an important market for Canadian exporters and the recently concluded Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement is a testament to the strengthening economic relationship between our two countries,” adds Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s Minister of International Trade.

According to a federal government press release, Canada is committed to strengthening commercial ties with Ukraine and securing improved market access for Canadian exporters. Last July, Canada and Ukraine successfully concluded negotiations toward the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA). The two countries are currently undertaking the legal review of the negotiated text, and once it’s signed, both parties can undertake their respective domestic implementation processes.

Then, once it’s implemented, the agreement is expected to result in the elimination of all non-agricultural tariffs and the majority of Ukraine’s agricultural tariffs, including on Canadian beef, certain pork, pulses, grains, fish and seafood, canola oil, processed foods, and animal feed.