Factors Influencing Canadian Beef Market

1612 Words4 Pages

INTRODUCTION

The demand for beef is influenced by a number of factors including the cyclical pattern of the economy, consumer preferences, protein substitutes, trade agreements, exchange rate risk, and the

PRICE DETERMINATION

SUPPLY

Canadian beef supply is dependant on various production costs, weather conditions, interest rates, and the size of the Canadian cowherd.

While there are many input and production costs that affect supply, key contributing factors are feed grain prices, labour, and land costs. High corn and barley prices result in less cattle on feed, decreasing the supply of beef. Labour availability and cost remain a large expense in the beef cattle industry, sometimes causing producers to downsize their operations. With inflated …show more content…

In times of economic expansion, household income tends to increase and therefore, consumers are willing to pay a higher price for red meat. Beef demand in Canada has an income elasticity of approximately 0.54%, meaning that a 1% increase in consumer income would translate into 0.54% increase in consumption. On the other hand, during recessionary periods household income will decline, and for every 1% decrease in consumer income beef demand will decrease 0.54% (Cranfield 2012). During these periods, consumers may shift their consumption to cheaper protein options or they may reduce meat consumption all …show more content…

Duties and tariffs can make imported beef costlier than beef sourced from other countries, produced in the home country, and other nutrition alternatives. Access to the Japanese market is current important topic regarding Canadian beef exports. Tariffs on Canadian beef are typically 38.5%; however, in August 2017 a safety net tariff was triggered causing tariffs on Canadian beef to raise to 50% until March 2018. (JAPAN TARIFF)With high import tariffs on Canadian beef, red meat sourced from Australia is given an advantage and becomes cheaper to Japanese consumers. The implication of a trade agreement like the Trans Pacific Partnership or a bi-lateral agreement with Japan would lower tariffs, making Canadian beef more affordable and increase the quantity

More about Factors Influencing Canadian Beef Market

Open Document