Pedro Miguel da Costa e Silva warns Brazil may retaliate against European Union meat import ban
Brazil's EU ambassador, Pedro Miguel da Costa e Silva, stated that an inspection of Brazilian meat was unnecessary and threatened to retaliate against the European Union's ban on imports. The ban, which took effect on September 3, follows the European Commission's decision to remove Brazil from its list of countries that comply with food safety rules regarding the use of antibiotics to stimulate animal growth. While audits for Brazilian poultry and honey are currently being completed, the Commission noted that Brazil failed to provide sufficient guarantees for its beef production. Brazil, the world's largest beef exporter, shipped approximately 108,000 tons of beef worth $1 billion to the EU in 2025. The Brazilian government expressed indignation over the lack of dialogue before the measure was adopted. The agriculture ministry stated that Brazil reserves the right to use reciprocal measures to ensure balanced trade conditions. The European Commission pushed back against accusations of unfair treatment, stating that the approach is non-discriminatory and that partners have been given sufficient time to adjust to the rules introduced in 2018.
Sources
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No need to audit our meat, says Brazil's EU ambassador as trade dispute escalates
Euronews
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Brazil considers reciprocal measures after EU halts imports of Brazilian goods
AP News