Canadian Cattlemen’s Association past-president Dave Solverson says a bilateral trade deal with Japan would be an advantage in case the Trans-Pacific Partnership doesn’t go ahead.
He told the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association annual convention in Regina that the CCA has recommended Ottawa resume negotiations on a bilateral deal. Talks dropped off when the TPP negotiations gathered momentum.
“We’re quite concerned that the U.S. will be a long time, if ever, in ratifying this deal, and the TPP won’t happen without the U.S. in it,” Solverson said.
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He said Japan clearly wants Canadian beef products. Importers always tell Canadians during trade missions to send more beef, he added.
“They are definitely willing buyers,” Solverson said.
“In Japan, it’s not only the tonnes we sell; it’s the products they take.”
For example, beef tongue sells in Japan for $9 per pound.
The CCA estimates that beef exports under the TPP could double or triple to $300 million a year and has always said that Canada must be in the deal if its competitors sign on.
Solverson said he wanted to publicly thank Saskatchewan for being leaders in conveying how important trade is for agriculture in general and beef specifically.
“You’ve been the only true voice of trade,” he said.
Solverson added that the CCA continues to work on issues, such as getting Canadian plants approved for export.
