Stats Canada report confirms poor beef export figures in 2004
A recent report by Statistics Canada puts into numbers the losses the country’s beef industry sustained in 2004 due to the 2004 US border closure to Canadian beef exports. Cattle and beef exports in 2004 totalled $1.9 billion, less than half the amount recorded in 2002 and a $7 billion loss to the industry.
This report comes just before the 20 month-ban is partially lifted by the USA when it allows live cattle younger than 30 months and all beef and boxed meat shipments from March 7. Pressure has, however, been placed on the Bush administration to withdraw its decision after two more cases of BSE were found in Canada earlier this year.
The exports are not expected to return to pre-May 2003 levels until threats of future restrictions have passed. The export crises has, however, boosted Canadian slaughter house output, as 15.7% more cattle were killed in the country in 2004 compared to 2003.
