Canada secures expanded market access for Canadian meat products following Ministerial Mission to Indonesia

From: Canadian Food Inspection Agency

News release

Following the historic signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by Prime Minister Carney and President Prabowo in September, the Government of Canada today announced a major expansion of market access for Canadian beef and pork products in Indonesia. This milestone comes after sustained diplomatic engagement and a successful trade mission to Indonesia led by the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, in August 2025.

Canadian exporters are now able to ship over-thirty-month (OTM) bone-in beef, and for the first time, pork and pork products. In addition, Indonesia has approved more Canadian facilities, further strengthening Canada’s export capacity to this dynamic market. Enhanced access for beef and beef products has also been achieved through the removal of Indonesia’s residency restrictions on imported cattle. As a result, Canada’s exports to Indonesia are expected to increase significantly, building on the country’s robust market, which in 2024 was valued at $1.1 billion for beef imports and $42 million for pork imports.

This achievement follows a successful audit of Canadian facilities, underscoring Canada’s internationally recognized food safety and animal health standards, rigorous inspection system, and the ongoing technical collaboration between the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Indonesian authorities, efforts facilitated by the Embassy of Canada in Jakarta.

The recent signing of the CEPA further demonstrates the strong economic ties between both countries. The CEPA will eliminate nearly all tariffs on Canadian beef and pork and includes robust and enforceable rules to address non-tariff barriers and foster stronger regulatory cooperation. These advancements will make Canadian exports even more competitive and offer long-term growth opportunities in one of the Indo-Pacific's most dynamic markets.

This expanded market access directly supports the objectives outlined in the Government of Canada’s 2025 Federal Budget to grow agri-food exports and secure, expand, and restore market access for Canadian producers. It also aligns with Canada’s commitment to double non-U.S. exports over the next decade. With these new opportunities, Canadian farmers, processors, and exporters will benefit from new economic opportunities, while Indonesian consumers will enjoy greater access to Canada’s nutritious, safe, and high-quality meat products.

Quotes

“By fostering new trade partnerships and market opportunities, our government is helping Canadian farmers and businesses compete and grow, reinforcing our reputation as a trusted international trading partner. This new opportunity is a testament to Canada’s leadership in food safety and animal health and the strength of our science-based regulatory system.  I look forward to the continued work of both countries to establish science-based animal health requirements for the trade of Canadian red meat.  My sincere thanks to the CFIA for its technical expertise and regulatory leadership, the efforts of the Market Access Secretariat and the on-the-ground support of the Agri-Food Trade Commissioner Service in Indonesia throughout the regulatory work.”

-          The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"On behalf of the Canadian Meat Council, I commend the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and Paul MacKinnon, President of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency  and their teams in Canada and in Indonesia for the leadership and extensive work in securing access for nine Canadian plants to export to Indonesia, a pivotal step in diversifying Canada’s red meat exports in a large and fast-growing market. This milestone reflects strong collaboration between government and our industry to overcome regulatory hurdles and secure recognition of Canada’s rigorous food safety and halal standards. It’s a meaningful breakthrough that positions our sector for new growth across the full supply chain.”

-          Russ Mallard, Canadian Meat Council Chair

“Securing access to the Indonesian market marks an important milestone for Canada’s beef industry.  Indonesia is a dynamic and fast-growing economy, and we are proud to continue to offer high-quality, nutritious Canadian beef to Indonesian consumers.  This opportunity strengthens our relationships in Southeast Asia and support the long-term sustainability and diversification of Canada’ s beef sector”

-           Albert Aringfield – Vice President International Market Development and Promotion, Canada Beef International 

“As pork producers, we congratulate the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and Paul McKinnon, President of the President of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and their teams in Canada and in Indonesia for the leadership and extensive work in securing access for nine Canadian plants to export to Indonesia. We recently travelled to Indonesia with the minister, and a market of almost 300 million people is obviously an important one for Canadian producers.  That’s why this step in diversifying Canada’s pork export markets is so crucial as we continue to deliver the world’s best pork to more consumers globally and domestically. 

We applaud the strong collaboration between government, producers and processors to overcome these regulatory hurdles and secure recognition of Canada’s rigorous food safety standards and outstanding on-farm programs.”

-          René Roy, Chair of Canadian Pork Council

Quick facts

  • Indonesia the world’s fourth largest country and is Canada’s 6th largest agri-food and seafood export market and largest among ASEAN members, valued at $1.2 billion in 2024.

  • From September 2 to 12, 2025, the Indonesia Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services (DGLAHS) conducted an onsite audit of Canada’s meat and livestock establishments. The audit confirmed that Canadian establishments produce beef and pork products in a sanitary and safe manner that complies with Indonesia’s import standards.

  • Previously, Canadian producers were only able to export boneless beef to Indonesia. With this new expanded market access, producers can now also export over-thirty-month (OTM) bone-in beef, beef offal, and pork to Indonesia for the first time.

  • Canada continues to actively negotiate export certificates for live breeding cattle, live swine, genetic material, and bovine embryos.

  • The Canada–Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in September 2025, will facilitate Canada’s expanded access to Indonesia’s market by eliminating or reducing tariffs creating mechanisms to address non-tariff barriers, paving the way for greater trade in sectors including agri-food.

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Each day, hard-working Canadian Food Inspection Agency employees—including inspectors, veterinarians, and scientists—inspect food for safety risks, work to protect plants from pests and invasive species, and respond to animal diseases that could threaten Canada’s animal resource base and human health. Guided by science-based decision-making and modern regulations, the Agency verifies that food sold in Canada is safe while supporting access to international markets for our high-quality agricultural products. To learn more, visit inspection.canada.ca.  

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2026-02-23