Canada is a top five destination for both U.S. beef and pork exports, but shipments are sometimes slowed by regulatory issues. The recent transition to the Public Health Information System (PHIS) Export Module was intended to reduce paperwork and simplify the export process. But as Courtney Heller, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) director of export services, explains, some documentation obstacles persist for U.S. exporters.
Heller adds that because the food safety and inspection systems in the U.S. and Canada are so similar, red meat trade between the two countries could be further streamlined. USMEF is working with industry partners such as the Meat Institute to develop recommendations that could simplify regulatory processes and help bolster U.S. exports to Canada.
Last year U.S. pork exports to Canada totaled nearly 220,000 metric tons (mt), making Canada the fourth largest market for U.S. pork, with export value topping $875 million. Through May of this year, pork exports are slightly below last year’s pace in volume (85,500 mt) and steady in value ($338 million). U.S. beef exports to Canada totaled 103,500 metric tons in 2023, ranking fifth among U.S. export markets, with export value also totaling about $875 million. Through May of this year, beef exports are up 8% in value ($353 million) despite a 5% decline in volume (just under 40,000 metric tons).
