United States Removes Barriers to Brazilian Meat

07/28/2016 - 10h49

Brazil and the United States inaugurate on Thursday (28th) in Washington an agreement to permit the free entry of Brazilian fresh beef into the American market, bringing an end to negotiations that have been dragging on since 1999.

With the deal, the United States will permit Brazilian beef to be imported from regions where cattle are vaccinated against Foot-and-mouth disease. Until now, only beef from Santa Catarina, a State free of the disease, has been permitted.

Since the agreement is reciprocal, Brazil also agrees to accept meat from the United States, even though there have been cases of mad cow disease in North American territory in recent years.

The deal is critically important for Brazil. The American market is a world showcase for sanitary standards. Now, other countries that demand high quality meat and pay well for it could open their doors up to Brazilian meat as well.

Brazil already is the world's leading meat exporter, with worldwide sales of US$ 6 billion last year. Of the total, 78% was fresh meat.

Translated by LLOYD HARDER

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