Japan is reopening its doors to Canadian processed beef, 20 years after restrictions were imposed following the discovery of a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Alberta.

Japan is Canada’s second largest market for Canadian beef products and was valued at $518 million in 2022.

As part of the “Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership”, which came into force at the end of 2018, Japan’s 38.5% tariff on beef imports (including ground beef patties) will increase to 23.35% by April 1, 2023 and 9% by 2033, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced on Monday.

This expanded market access follows another easing of restrictions in 2019, when Japan approved imports of Canadian beef from cattle over 30 months old.

“This is a significant step in our trade relationship with Japan, a trusted partner in the Indo-Pacific,” said Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude. -Bibeau.