The delay in ratifying the replacement for NAFTA is neither a surprise nor cause for concern, says the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association.

“A delay in implementing the new agreement is not a significant concern for the beef sector as long as the existing NAFTA remains in effect,” it said.

Congress is currently on a summer break and unlikely to ratify the deal before Canada’s federal election in October.

Prior to Parliament’s recess, CCA vice-president Bob Lowe told the House Committee that access to world markets, including North America, means that each beef carcass is on average worth $602 more than it would be if sold only to the Canadian market.