DENVER — The US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is working with Canada to better streamline US shipments that are often slowed by regulatory issues. When the Public Health Information System (PHIS) Export Module was implemented a couple years ago, the process was expected to simplify; however, obstacles remain.

“Over the last couple of years, we’ve started to incorporate the PHIS export component, and the purpose was to improve and really shorten some of those interactions at the border to clear product more quickly in both directions,” explained Courtney Heller, USMEF director of export services. “PHIS was intended to reduce paperwork and human error. When a system goes online, all of the paperwork like letterhead, certificates or testing requirements, go into that PHIS system, which allows the inspectors both on the USDA side and in Canada to see, sign and process more quickly. We’re finding that our electronic system is requiring paperwork, and that was not the intention, so we’re working with Canada to streamline the documentation process.”

USMEF has found that some of its members have stopped shipping to Canada because of stoppages at the borders. The association is working with industry partners like the Meat Institute to eliminate barriers for US meat exports to Canada.

“There’s an effort underway now that was started by the Meat Institute in conjunction with their Canadian and American members to really address some of the slowdowns at the border that could be improved upon by reducing some of the inspection requirements or testing requirements,” Heller said. “Our countries have virtually equivalent food safety systems, so some of our inspection processes could really be eased by just working together.”

Last year, US pork exports to Canada totaled nearly 220,000 tonnes, making Canada the fourth largest market for US pork, with export value topping $875 million. Through May of this year, pork exports are slightly below last year’s pace in volume (85,500 tonnes) and steady in value ($338 million). US beef exports to Canada totaled 103,500 tonnes in 2023, ranking fifth among US export markets, with export value also totaling about $875 million. Through May of this year, beef exports are up 8% in value ($353 million) despite a 5% decline in volume (just under 40,000 tonnes).