Singapore becomes first country to lift restrictions on Canadian beef imports

At the end of August, Singapore became the first country to lift restrictions on imports of Canadian beef, as the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) designated Canada as a country with a minimum risk of foot-and-mouth disease in May.

Although it took nearly three months, Canada was finally designated as a low risk country for foot-and-mouth disease, leading to a restoration and increased access to the global beef market. The Cattlemen's Association of Canada hopes that this will lead to a strong increase in exports.

At the end of August, Singapore became the first country to lift restrictions on Canadian beef imports, nearly 18 years after the first case was discovered in Alberta. Singapore now accepts all Canadian beef, including organ meats, with no age restrictions. "While Singapore is not currently a major market for Canadian beef, Cattlemen's Association of Canada is very pleased with the progress in market access as diversified market access leads to sustainable trade and maximum overall benefit for Canadian farmers and ranchers," said the President of the Association. Bob Low. “We are encouraged by the change in Singapore and look forward to other markets soon following suit.”

Prior to this change, Singapore only accepted Canadian boneless and bone-in beef from animals under 30 months of age. Exports of Canadian beef to Singapore peaked in 2014 and fell almost to a low in 2019, with no trade in 2020 and the first half of 2021.

Last year, Canada exported 425,109 tons of beef to 53 countries worth $3.3 billion. Lowe said the country's status change "will help facilitate expanded overseas market access for a variety of currently restricted beef products."