Canada-Indonesia trade deal boosts meat industry growth
The Canadian Meat Council (CMC) is pleased with the conclusion of negotiations for the Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
This agreement marks a significant milestone for Canada’s meat industry, offering substantial opportunities to grow its presence in one of the fastest-expanding markets in the Indo-Pacific region.
CMC has long advocated for enhanced market access in the Indo-Pacific, particularly following Canada’s exclusion from China. Since 2022, CMC's CEO has been actively engaging with Indonesian officials and key stakeholders to secure new beef market access.
This deal will improve Canada’s competitiveness and create new avenues for growth, particularly in Indonesia, with its 279 million people and nearly $1.9 trillion GDP.
The CEPA includes a strong Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Chapter, supported by a dispute settlement mechanism and an ongoing SPS Dialogue.
This will ensure transparency and prevent SPS requirements from becoming non-tariff barriers. The CMC welcomes these provisions, which will facilitate smoother trade processes.
To maximise the potential of this agreement, addressing market access requirements, including halal certifications and food safety audits, will be essential for ensuring a commercially viable path forward.
The Canadian Pork Council is also eager to explore ways to provide high-quality Canadian pork to this market while respecting cultural practices.
Additionally, the CEPA aligns with Canada’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth. By improving trade relations, the agreement will help build resilient supply chains, which are vital in today’s unpredictable global market.
The CMC is committed to supporting Canada’s government in the swift implementation of the CEPA. We look forward to collaborating with like-minded partners to ensure that this agreement delivers meaningful benefits for Canadian businesses and communities, advancing the growth of Canada’s meat industry in the Indo-Pacific region.
Photo Credit: canadian-meat-council