Brazil has threatened reciprocal measures if talks fail to resolve the European Union’s suspension of imports of certain animal products from the country.
The suspension took effect on September 3 after Brazil failed to provide sufficient guarantees that its livestock production complies with EU rules on the use of antimicrobials. It affects beef, poultry, eggs, honey, fish, casings and other products of animal origin.
Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry said it was considering reciprocal measures if negotiations did not produce a satisfactory outcome.
“Brazilian authorities expressed their indignation at the lack of dialogue before the measure was adopted,” the ministry said, adding that the suspension “does not match the depth of the strategic partnership between Brazil and the EU”.
The EU’s action follows a May decision to remove Brazil from the list of countries authorised to export the affected products. Brussels says Brazil has not demonstrated that its systems meet EU requirements banning antimicrobials for growth promotion and restricting medicines reserved for human health.
Brazil is the world’s largest beef exporter. It shipped about 108,000t of beef worth around $1bn to the EU in 2025, according to Brazilian government figures cited in reporting.
The Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries (ABIEC) said there was no automatic replacement for the European market because different destinations require different products and cuts.
“Brazilian beef will continue to be sold in the markets for which it is authorised, but there is no automatic substitute for the European market, since different destinations require distinct products and cuts,” it said.
The Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil (CNA) said the suspension undermined trade benefits that Brazil had reasonably expected.
The dispute adds pressure to relations between Brazil and the EU following the signing of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement in January. Mercosur includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Imports of South American meat remain a major source of opposition to the agreement among European farmers, who have raised concerns about competition and production standards.
Brazil is currently the only Mercosur country affected by the EU suspension.
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