Irish cheese-makers to cash in on Canada trade deal – Sean Kelly MEP

Irish cheese-makers will be able to profit on increased exports to Canada in two years’ time, one the Canada EU Trade Agreement comes into force, according to Sean Kelly MEP.

“A political agreement reached on the trade deal outlines plans to double the amount of European cheese imported into Canada – to almost 30,000 tonnes a year – up from 13,000 tonnes at current levels.

“There is potential for even further increased imports in future. The Canadian cheese market is growing by around 8,000 tonnes a year. At this rate, the increased imports from Europe will only to 4 per cent of Canadian domestic consumption. So there is plenty of room for further trade.

“This is good news for Irish cheese-makers who have top quality produce to export. It is a welcome boost for the agri-food sector,” Mr Kelly said.

However, the Fine Gael MEP said the deal, as it stands, is far from perfect: “I do have concerns, however, regarding other aspects of the deal – its impact on Irish beef, pork and some other dairy produce. I intend to pursue those concerns in my official capacity as an MEP so that the final agreement will be the very best possible outcome for Irish agriculture.

“By eliminating over 99 per cent of trade tariffs, the deal will open the market for both trading partners. While a political agreement has been reached, it has yet to go through the normal legislative channels and must get the backing of MEPs and European Ministers,” Mr Kelly added.