The Canadian Cattlemen's Association is applauding the expansion of beef access to China.

China said last week it was partially lifting a ban on beef imports from Canada, allowing bone in beef on animals under 30 months.

The association says the addition of bone-in, under 30-months access is expected to add an additional 10 million dollars per year in exports to China in the short term while the Canadian beef cattle herd remains contracted.

China closed access to Canadian beef in May 2003 when Canada discovered its first domestic case of BSE.

During former Premier Hu's visit to Canada in 2010, he announced China would fully re-open to Canadian beef in stages.