(Ottawa) The United Kingdom took a break from trade negotiations with Canada, after Ottawa decided not to extend two temporary measures put in place to bridge the gap after Brexit.
London announced the pause on Thursday, less than a month before the next round of negotiations for a permanent trade deal, since the United Kingdom left the European Union – and its free trade agreement with Canada .
A special quota on British cheese imports, which provided the same access to the Canadian market at low tariffs as that of the European Union, expired at the end of last month without Ottawa temporarily extending it.
Canada also decided not to extend country of origin rules that expire at the end of March, which will likely drive up the price of British goods like luxury cars.
Trade Minister Mary Ng’s office says the move stems from Britain’s “reluctance” to offer something in return, such as throwing weight on a dispute over Canadian red meat.
Both countries insist they want a fair deal for their respective businesses, farmers and workers.
Still looking for an agreement
“We reserve the right to suspend negotiations with any country if progress is not made,” read a British government statement.
“We remain open to a possible resumption of negotiations with Canada, in order to build a stronger trade relationship that will benefit businesses and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic. »
Shanti Cosentino, spokesperson for Minister Mary Ng, said Canada was “disappointed” by London’s decision. “Their decision to continue to maintain market access barriers for our agricultural industry and their refusal to reach a mutual agreement has only blocked negotiations,” she argued Thursday.
“The UK is a long-standing trading partner, and I am confident we can negotiate a deal that is win-win for both Canada and the UK. »
Canada’s beef industry is lobbying against a deal with the United Kingdom over a long-standing dispute over beef and pork treated with growth hormones.
The United Kingdom does not import red meats treated with certain hormones widely used by Canadian breeders. Canadian producers, for their part, maintain that the British’s concerns are not based on scientific evidence.