Canadian ranchers fear losing business to cheap South American beef if Mercosur trade deal is signed
Canadian ranchers are warning that a proposed trade agreement between Canada and the Mercosur bloc could expose them to a surge of lower-cost South American beef imports, threatening cattle prices and the long-term viability of the industry. Industry groups are urging Ottawa to maintain limits on tariff-free beef imports and strengthen food-safety oversight, arguing that producers in countries such as Brazil and Argentina benefit from lower production costs and could eventually compete in higher-value beef markets. Trade experts say securing greater market access for Mercosur countries will be a key demand in negotiations.
