"China is a very important market for Canadian producers," the Canadian Pork Council said in a statement.

As meat prices are expected to go down in Canada this year, the beef industry says it remains in good shape while studies show a growing popularity in plant-based foods.

A new advertising campaign aims to give the beef industry a boost, just weeks after the release of Canada's new food guide, which has a greater emphasis on plant-based proteins.

Taiwan is Canada's seventh-largest beef market.

The Canadian beef industry has announced a levy will now be collected on the import of beef from outside the country. It would be the first in Canada's agriculture sector to collect a levy on imports.