Introduction

The meat trade plays a significant role in the global economy, with billions of dollars’ worth of meat products being traded across borders each year. Trade agreements between countries have a direct impact on the meat industry, influencing prices, volumes, and market access. In this report, we will analyze the top 10 meat trade agreements that are currently impacting global markets.

1. NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)

NAFTA is a trade agreement between the United States, Canada, and Mexico that has a significant impact on the meat industry. Under NAFTA, tariffs on meat products traded between the three countries have been reduced or eliminated, leading to increased trade volumes and lower prices for consumers. For example, the United States exports a significant amount of beef and pork to Mexico, which has become one of its largest export markets.

Key Data:

– In 2020, the United States exported $1.2 billion worth of beef to Mexico.

– Mexico is the largest export market for U.S. pork, with exports totaling $1.5 billion in 2020.

– Canada also benefits from NAFTA, with increased access to the U.S. market for its beef and pork products.

2. EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement

The EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement is a trade deal between the European Union and the Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay). This agreement aims to reduce tariffs on a wide range of products, including meat. The agreement has been met with controversy, with concerns raised about the impact on the environment and local farmers in both regions.

Key Data:

– The EU is a major importer of beef from Mercosur countries, with imports totaling over 200,000 tons in 2020.

– Mercosur countries also import significant amounts of pork and poultry from the EU.

3. CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership)

The CPTPP is a trade agreement between 11 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Japan, Australia, Canada, and Mexico. The agreement aims to reduce tariffs and trade barriers, promoting economic integration among member countries. The CPTPP has opened up new markets for meat exporters, leading to increased trade volumes.

Key Data:

– Japan is a major importer of beef from CPTPP countries, with imports totaling $2.5 billion in 2020.

– Australia benefits from increased access to the Japanese market for its beef and lamb products.

4. US-China Phase One Trade Agreement

The US-China Phase One Trade Agreement, signed in 2020, aims to address trade imbalances between the two countries. Under the agreement, China has committed to increasing its purchases of U.S. agricultural products, including meat. This has led to a surge in exports of pork and beef from the U.S. to China.

Key Data:

– China is the largest market for U.S. pork exports, with shipments totaling $2.3 billion in 2020.

– U.S. beef exports to China have also seen significant growth since the signing of the agreement.

5. UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement

The UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement, signed in 2021, aims to strengthen trade ties between the two countries following Brexit. The agreement will eliminate tariffs on a wide range of products, including meat. Australian beef and lamb producers are expected to benefit from increased access to the UK market.

Key Data:

– Australia is a major exporter of beef to the UK, with shipments totaling 200,000 tons in 2020.

– UK consumers are expected to benefit from lower prices for Australian meat products.

6. RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership)

The RCEP is a trade agreement between 15 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. The agreement aims to reduce tariffs and promote economic cooperation among member countries. The RCEP is expected to boost trade in meat products, with increased market access for exporters.

Key Data:

– China is a major importer of pork from RCEP countries, with imports totaling 1 million tons in 2020.

– South Korea benefits from increased access to the Chinese market for its beef and pork products.

7. US-Japan Trade Agreement

The US-Japan Trade Agreement, signed in 2019, aims to reduce tariffs on a wide range of products, including meat. Japan is a major market for U.S. beef and pork exports, and the agreement has led to increased trade volumes between the two countries.

Key Data:

– Japan is the largest export market for U.S. beef, with shipments totaling $2.2 billion in 2020.

– U.S. pork exports to Japan have also increased following the signing of the agreement.

8. ASEAN Free Trade Area

The ASEAN Free Trade Area is a trade agreement between the 10 member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The agreement aims to promote economic integration and reduce trade barriers among member countries. The ASEAN region is a major market for meat products, with increased trade volumes between member countries.

Key Data:

– Thailand is a major exporter of poultry to other ASEAN countries, with shipments totaling 500,000 tons in 2020.

– Indonesia benefits from increased access to the Malaysian market for its beef products.

9. US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)

The USMCA is a trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada that replaced NAFTA in 2020. The agreement aims to modernize trade relations between the three countries and promote economic growth. The USMCA has led to increased market access for meat products, benefiting exporters in all three countries.

Key Data:

– Canada is a major importer of U.S. beef, with shipments totaling $1.5 billion in 2020.

– Mexico benefits from increased access to the U.S. market for its pork and poultry products.

10. China-Australia Free Trade Agreement

The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, signed in 2015, aims to reduce tariffs and promote trade between the two countries. Australia is a major exporter of beef and lamb to China, and the agreement has led to increased trade volumes between the two countries.

Key Data:

– China is the largest export market for Australian beef, with shipments totaling 1 million tons in 2020.

– Australian lamb exports to China have also seen significant growth since the signing of the agreement.

In conclusion, trade agreements play a crucial role in shaping the global meat industry, influencing prices, volumes, and market access. The top 10 meat trade agreements analyzed in this report have had a significant impact on global markets, benefiting exporters and consumers alike. It is essential for countries to continue to negotiate and implement trade agreements that promote economic growth and cooperation in the meat industry.

Read: The State of the Global Meat Industry in 2025