The European Union has decided to remove Brazil from the list of countries authorized to export meat and animal products due to noncompliance with rules on the use of antimicrobials in animal production. The announcement was made in June and takes effect on September 3.
Roberto Perosa, president of the Brazilian Beef Exporters Association (Abiec), stressed that there is a strong chance the sector will not be able to adapt quickly to European requirements, which could jeopardize the European market for Brazilian meat.
Withdrawal of authorization and impact on exports
Until 2024, Brazil was allowed to export beef, chicken, horse meat, casings, fish and honey to the European Union. With the new decision, these exports will be suspended. Meanwhile, Mercosur countries such as Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay remain approved for the European market.
The European Commission justified Brazil’s exclusion by citing a lack of sufficient information proving compliance with the bloc’s rules on the use of antimicrobials, substances used to treat and prevent diseases in animals but which are restricted as growth promoters.
Challenges for the sector to adapt
Perosa pointed out that adapting to the new rules will not be immediate and that the cattle-raising cycle suggests a period of roughly two years for the sector to fully comply. Although the European market accounts for about 5% of Brazilian meat exports, it is strategic because it demands higher value-added cuts.
Other difficulties in the international market
In addition to the European Union, Brazil faces restrictions from China, which since January 2026 has imposed quotas and surcharges on Brazilian beef, capping the duty-free quota at 1.1 million tons per year and applying a 55% tariff on volumes above that. This measure directly affects the flow of domestic production.
Perosa said the difficulties have already begun to be felt this month, with reports of collective vacations at meatpacking plants due to greater difficulty selling products. He added that foreign demand is essential to keep domestic prices stable, but the outlook suggests that pressure on margins and economic growth could lead to price adjustments soon.
With information from g1.globo.com.
