CALGARY, Alta. — Beef exports to Asia and Mexico increased by 7,000 tonnes last year, but the Canada Beef Export Federation (CBEF) says that jump isn’t enough.

CBEF says that the increase was well below expectations and it is important to increase exports to countries outside the U.S., especially in light of a country-of-origin labeling bill currently being considered in the U.S.

Federation chairman, Ben Thorlakson, says "It’s been a difficult year in many markets, but among our competitors we have been the brightest star."

By 2010, CBEF says the Canadian cattle industry should be exporting 568,000 tonnes of beef and veal. That compares to the 496,000 tonnes exported this year.

It also hopes to increase the value of exports from $2.3 billion to $2.6 billion by 2010.

The groups claims that Asia and Mexico will have to pick up the slack left by sagging sales to the U.S.

Thorlakson tells local media that U.S. country-of-origin labeling could "have a profound effect on our sales into that market and force us to put increasing emphasis on our off-shore markets."