Factbox-EU ban on animal products affects $1.8 billion in Brazilian exports

The European Union has imposed a ban on animal products from Brazil, which began on Thursday and is set to cost the Brazilian economy around $1.84 billion annually. The embargo primarily impacts beef and poultry exports, valued at $1.05 billion and $763 million respectively in 2025, according to Brazil's Agriculture Ministry.

The EU is concerned that Brazil may not be adhering to its requirements by not using prohibited antimicrobial substances in animal production. Beef is a key export product for Brazil, accounting for 5.86% of its beef export revenue last year and 8% of its chicken export shipments. Major purchasers of Brazilian beef include Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany, while the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany are the primary markets for chicken exports.

Tensions arose after Brazil failed to provide the EU with guarantees that prohibited antimicrobials are not used in production. Since the ban's announcement in May, Brazil has been engaging in talks with EU officials, although there is no indication of when the restriction might be lifted. EU inspectors have been reviewing Brazil's poultry and honey production systems, with the inspection concluding on Friday. No immediate decisions are anticipated at this stage, as inspectors need to analyze their findings.

Brazilian officials had hoped for a quicker resolution for poultry exports due to the shorter production cycle of chickens, which typically takes 42 days compared to more than two years for cattle. Both industry groups ABPA and Abiec representing poultry and pork producers affirm that Brazil's poultry industry complies with EU import standards. However, EU authorities argue that Brazil has not provided sufficient official guarantees.

The EU's ban targets substances that can promote animal growth and prohibits the use of antimicrobials reserved for human medicine in livestock production. Experts note that this measure is not a result of any irregularities found in Brazilian meat but rather EU concerns about insufficient controls in the country. Brazil is the world's largest exporter of beef and chicken, with major meat processors including JBS, MBRF, and Minerva.