Government criticizes EU's veto on Brazilian beef

The Brazilian government criticized, in a joint note released on Thursday, the entry into force of the European Union's veto on the sale of Brazilian meat. The foreign and agriculture ministries stated that the country "reserves the right to use appropriate instruments to ensure balanced conditions of trade, including reciprocal measures". The European measure came into effect on the same day, with the argument that Brazilian producers violate rules on the use of antimicrobials in livestock.

According to the government, the products affected by the veto were included as beneficiaries of the Mercosur-European Union agreement, which came into effect in May this year. In view of this, the reading is that there is a loss of gains obtained by the instrument. "Products affected by the new restrictions have been subject to quotas and tariff reductions under the MERCOSUR-European Union Agreement," the statement said. The text also adds that the Brazilian government hopes that "the ongoing technical dialogue will allow to reach a fast, objective, transparent and scientifically based solution."

Understand the European Veto

The European Union’s veto of Brazilian meat has as its main argument the non-compliance with the rules on the use of antimicrobials in livestock. These substances are used to treat infections in animals, but the block prohibits their use as a growth promoter. In addition, it does not allow the use of antimicrobials reserved for the treatment of humans.

Since the first information about the veto emerged, the Brazilian government has said that Brazilian producers comply with the rules and that it would insist on negotiations with the European bloc. In a note, the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries (Abiec) expressed "concern" with the measure, adding that it provided technical support to the government and that all guarantees were presented.

Position of the European Union

Ireland currently rules the Council of the European Union. In an interview with the G1, Ireland’s ambassador to Brazil, Martin Gallagher, said the bloc will not relax sanitary requirements for Brazilian meat to be exported back to the region. According to him, the decision to remove Brazil from the list of countries authorized to sell meat to the bloc was "technical" and, in view of this, it is up to the Brazilian government to adopt the necessary measures to meet the required standards.

“These requirements related to standards for antimicrobial use are not new. They have been known for a long time, and the European Union has been in dialogue with the Brazilian authorities on these standards for some time," Gallagher said. According to him, other countries in South America have adapted to European demands.

Impact on trade

The Brazilian government stressed that the products affected by the veto were contemplated in the Mercosur-European Union agreement, which entered into force in May. The joint note points out that the new restrictions represent a loss of gains made with the instrument. The possibility of reciprocal measures was cited as a resource to ensure balanced trade conditions.

Abiec, which represents the meat exporting industries, said it provided technical support to the government and that all guarantees were presented to the European authorities. The association expressed concern about the measure and continues to monitor the negotiations.

Next steps

The Brazilian government has said it will continue to insist on negotiations with the European bloc and hopes for a quick solution based on scientific criteria. The joint note did not detail what reciprocal measures could be adopted, but indicated that the country is willing to use the appropriate instruments to protect its commercial interests.

Meanwhile, the productive sector is looking for alternatives to minimize the impacts of the veto. The expectation is that the technical dialogue between the parties can unlock the situation and restore the commercial flow of Brazilian meat to the European Union.

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