Brazil voices ‘deep concern’ over EU suspension of Brazilian meat imports

BRASILIA: Brazil expressed significant concern over the European Union's decision to suspend meat imports from Brazil, pending assurances that the country is adhering to EU animal health regulations. Brussels cited Brazil's failure to provide sufficient guarantees that its exports meet EU standards designed to prevent antibiotic misuse in livestock farming.

The suspension came into effect on Thursday, with no specified timeline for its reversal. Both the Brazilian foreign and agricultural ministries expressed optimism that ongoing negotiations could lead to a prompt, objective, and transparent resolution free from protectionist pressures.

In May, Brazil was added to an EU list of countries that do not comply with antibiotic use rules for animals. The EU prohibits the use of antibiotics to enhance livestock growth and imposes restrictions on antibiotics used for human medicine to combat antimicrobial resistance. Brazil is a key supplier of animal protein to Europe, indicating that its exports comply with EU standards. The foreign and agricultural ministries emphasized that Brazil has implemented necessary measures and provided relevant information to the EU.

The government stated that if negotiations fail to produce a satisfactory outcome in a timely manner, Brazil reserves the right to employ appropriate instruments to ensure balanced trade conditions. The EU is keen to demonstrate its vigilance following criticism from farmers and France following the signing of a free trade agreement with Mercosur in January 2026 - Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay. The suspension impacts other commodities such as poultry, eggs, and honey.