TL;DR: Paraguay can now export beef to Canada, with plans to increase pork and poultry exports. US import suspension continues.
Approval and Details
ASUNCIÓN, PARAGUAY — Paraguayan beef is now allowed for export to Canada. This news came after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) gave its clearance earlier this week.
Nine meat plants in Paraguay are authorised to export beef products to Canada. CFIA approved the importation of pH-matured, boneless beef meat from Paraguay.
Long Process
José Carlos Martin, president of the National Service of Quality and Animal Health (Senacsa), said the agreement took nearly three-and-a-half years to complete.
Export Volumes
Martin mentioned that the export volume to Canada could be similar to that of the US market. The private sector will determine the final export volumes.
For 2024, Paraguay could export 3,000 to 4,000 tons of meat to Canada.
Government Support
Paraguay President Santiago Pena expressed his support for the deal on social media.
Future Goals
Paraguayan officials aim to increase exports of other livestock products, including pork and poultry.
US Import Suspension
Earlier this spring, the US Senate passed a Congressional Review Act (CRA) to suspend beef imports from Paraguay. Senators requested more data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) before resuming beef imports from Paraguay.
