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

Brazil expressed significant apprehension on Thursday concerning the European Union's decision to suspend imports of Brazilian meat, pending confirmation that Brasilia is adhering to the EU's animal health regulations. The EU cited Brazil's failure to provide adequate assurances that its exports comply with standards designed to prevent antibiotic misuse in livestock.

This suspension, which came into effect on Thursday, has not been accompanied by a timeline for when imports might be reinstated. Both the Brazilian foreign and agricultural ministries have expressed optimism that ongoing negotiations could facilitate a swift, impartial, and transparent resolution, free from protectionist influences.

In May, Brazil was placed on an EU list of nations that fail to comply with antibiotic usage rules in animals. The EU prohibits the use of antimicrobials for growth promotion in livestock and restricts antibiotics intended for human use, as part of its strategy to reduce antimicrobial resistance. Brazil is a leading supplier of animal protein to the European market, demonstrating the compliance of its exports with EU standards, according to the ministries.

They emphasized that Brazil has implemented necessary measures and provided the requisite information to the EU. Should negotiations fail to yield a satisfactory outcome in a timely manner, the Brazilian government reserves the right to employ appropriate measures to ensure fair trade conditions. The EU has been proactive in demonstrating its vigilance following criticism from farmers, particularly in France, and in response to the signing of a free trade agreement with Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay) in January 2026. The suspension affects other goods such as poultry, eggs, and honey.