OTTAWA, ONTARIO — The Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau announced on April 28 that Guatemala opened its ports once again to Canada’s pork, beef and poultry products.

“This is a big win for Canada,” Bibeau said. “The success of Canadian agriculture depends heavily on Canada’s ability to export to the world, and Guatemala presents many opportunities for our exporters. Our government will continue to support industry’s efforts to get Canadian businesses into new and existing markets and stimulate economic growth.”

Canadian meat and poultry products have not been exported to Guatemala since nearly a decade ago. In December 2013, Guatemala added new requirements to inspect Canadian facilities before approval of exports. The countries have been negotiating for regained access since then.

Negotiations have permitted Canadian meat and poultry exports produced on or after April 17 to be eligible for exportation to Guatemala.

In 2022, Guatemala imported beef, pork and poultry products totaling $360 million in value.

Despite the previous barrier to export to Guatemala, Canada’s agriculture and agri-food exports have increased. In 2022, exports reached $93.9 billion, surpassing a goal of reaching $75 billion by 2025.