Brazil contests EU move to block animal product shipments
By Isabel Teles and Julia Payne
EU Export Ban and Brazil's Response
SAO PAULO, May 12 (Reuters) - The Brazilian government said on Tuesday it was surprised by the European Union's decision to exclude the Latin American country from a list of approved exporters of certain animal products, a move the European Commission said would bar a wide range of shipments from September 3.
Brazil's Official Reaction
Brazil said in a statement that it would take "all necessary measures" to reverse the decision and had scheduled a meeting with European authorities on Wednesday to seek clarification.
Planned Diplomatic Engagement
A spokesperson for the European Commission said in a statement to Reuters that the move is linked to EU rules restricting the use of certain antimicrobial substances in food-producing animals.
Impacts on Trade and Compliance Requirements
The decision means Brazil will no longer be able to export products including beef, poultry, eggs, as well as live animals, to the bloc.
EU Antimicrobial Use Rules
Brazil must demonstrate compliance with EU antimicrobial use requirements for the entire lifetime of animals from which exported products originate. Exports could resume once compliance is confirmed, the Commission said, adding it has been working closely with Brazilian authorities on the issue.
Recent Trade Developments
The removal from the list comes days after a long-negotiated EU-Mercosur trade deal provisionally entered into force on May 1.
Brazil's Role in Global and European Markets
Brazil is the world's largest exporter of animal protein and the main supplier of agricultural products to the European market, according to the government.
(Reporting by Isabel Teles and Julia Payne in Brussels, Fernando Cardoso and Bernardo Caram; Editing by Iñigo Alexander and Aurora Ellis)
