Canadian Meat Council joins CAFTA as trade pressures mount ahead of CUSMA review

The Canadian Meat Council (CMC) has joined the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) as a Friend of CAFTA, a move the organizations say will strengthen agri-food sector representation as Canada prepares for the 2026 Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement Joint Review.

CAFTA said the addition of CMC comes as exporters face growing complexity in global markets and seek to address tariff and non-tariff trade barriers.

“Joining as a Friend of CAFTA is a strategic step forward at a pivotal moment for our industry,” said Kyle Larkin, president and CEO of CMC. “With the 2026 CUSMA review on the horizon and global market volatility increasing, it’s more important than ever that the agri-food sector speaks with a unified voice.

“Meat processing companies rely on stable, rules-based trade to reach over 90 international markets and we look forward to working alongside CAFTA members in addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers.”

The organizations said Canada’s meat processing sector generates $43.8 billion in annual sales, accounting for about 25 per cent of Canadian food processing and supports more than 300,000 direct and indirect jobs. CMC members process more than 90 per cent of Canada’s meat supply and serve domestic and international markets.

The groups said they will work together to advance shared priorities focused on improving market access and reducing trade barriers for Canadian agri-food exporters.