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Harper Government Establishes Market Access for Beef to Ukraine

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July 22, 2022 –Ottawa, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and International Trade Minister Ed Fast, announced today that the Government of Canada has opened the Ukrainian market for beef (from cattle under 30 months) and ready-to-eat meat. This new market access marks a significant milestone for Canada following the lifting of Ukraine's ban on Canadian beef products in 2014. Ukraine's global imports of beef products in 2014 were $17.1 million.

Canadian beef and ready-to-eat meat establishments eligible for export to the European Union are immediately granted access to the Ukrainian market. The Government of Canada is working closely with Ukraine to expand the number of establishments that are eligible to export, pending inspections from Ukrainian authorities.

Last week, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, alongside Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, announced the successful conclusion of negotiations toward a Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement. The Agreement will result in the elimination of the vast majority of Ukraine's agricultural tariffs, including Canada's beef, pork, pulses, grains, canola oil, processed foods, and animal feed.

These achievements in increasing trade with Ukraine are an example of the Government's commitment to increasing opportunities for Canadian exporters in international markets, pursuant to Canada's Global Markets Action Plan (GMAP).

Quick facts

• Total bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and Ukraine averaged $347 million in 2011-2013, and is expected to expand by 19 percent as a result of the implementation of this trade agreement.
• Canada exported $35.5 million worth of agriculture and agri-food, and seafood products to Ukraine in 2014.
• Ukraine is a priority emerging market under Canada's GMAP.

Quotes

"Our Government continues to work closely with industry to open, re-open and expand new markets for our quality Canadian products. Strengthening trade with Ukraine is another step towards ensuring producers can earn their living from the marketplace, and ultimately helps create jobs, growth and prosperity for all Canadians."

- Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz

"I am very pleased that the Canadian government has completed the negotiation of a free trade agreement with Ukraine. A survey of Canada's meat processors has confirmed the existence of significant long term interest in trade with Ukraine, not only as a supplier of high quality protein to Ukraine's 45 million citizens, but also in the context of Ukraine's access to the European Union and its trade with the countries of Eastern Europe."

- Joe Reda, President, Canadian Meat Council

"Our government is committed to supporting Canadian companies to ensure they can succeed abroad. Increased market access for world-class Canadian agricultural products achieved through free trade agreements, such as the one recently announced with Ukraine, is one of the many tools our government is providing Canadians businesses and workers to seize and explore new market opportunities, creating jobs and economic growth across Canada."

- International Trade Minister Ed Fast

Additional links

• Canada-Ukraine FTA news release
• Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement Negotiations
• Ukraine Fact Sheet
• Global Market Action Plan

Contacts

Jeff English
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
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