UK breaks off trade negotiations with Canada

The British government announced on Friday that it was terminating its negotiations for a free trade agreement with Canada. Started in March 2022 to replace the trade agreement that the United Kingdom previously enjoyed with Ottawa within the European Union, these discussions stumbled over disagreements over food products, in particular beef and cheese. In exchange for quota-free imports of British cheddar or stilton, Canadians hoped to be able to export hormone-raised beef to the United Kingdom, much to the dismay of English farmers. However, since January 1, the Canadian government has introduced customs duties of 245% on English cheeses. The interruption of talks is “a relief for English farmers,” said the president of the National Farmers Union, Minette Batters. Farmers had already criticized the consequences of previous free trade agreements signed by London with Australia and New Zealand, fearing ...