Brazilian chicken exports to the European Union are likely to remain suspended until at least November, as the EU is demanding an on-site audit to restore the country's eligibility. This disruption could impact roughly a quarter of Brazilian poultry shipments to the EU. The audit, expected during the week of August 24, will initially focus on poultry because their shorter production cycles allow for easier assessment of antimicrobial-control protocols. Preliminary findings are anticipated by September 14, with a final report not expected before late September. Even a favorable report would still require approval from the EU’s Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (SCoPAFF), whose relevant meeting is scheduled for November 19.
Brazilian Agriculture Minister André de Paula stated that the government is working to overturn the EU's ban on animal product exports, which is set to take effect on September 3. He highlighted Brazil's efforts to discuss the issue with the European Commission and expressed hope for a transition period. The EU's ban stems from Brazil's inability to demonstrate adherence to EU standards on antimicrobial use, specifically banning growth promoters and human-intended drugs in animal production. Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture criticized Brussels, arguing that the EU was demanding proof of full implementation before the end of animals' production cycles.
While Brazil hopes to maintain chicken exports, the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA) president, Ricardo Santin, believes that even if the EU market closes, Brazil can redirect the approximately 7% of its chicken exports that go to the EU to over 150 other markets. The ABPA projects Brazilian chicken production to grow by up to 5.6% in 2026, reaching between 16 million and 16.150 million tonnes, with exports expected to reach 5.875 million tonnes, up 10.3% from the previous year. For 2027, exports are projected to rise another 3% to 6.050 million tonnes.
Roberto Perosa, president of the Brazilian Beef Exporters Association (Abiec), expressed optimism for a negotiated transition period for beef, which faces a longer potential suspension due to the two-to-three-year cattle production cycle needed to comply with new antimicrobial rules. Brazil is also exploring market diversification, with a South Korean technical mission scheduled to visit Brazilian beef-processing plants. Rabobank research suggests that a ban would significantly disrupt European markets, as Brazil supplies a quarter of the EU’s imported beef and poultry, potentially leading to higher prices in Europe.
EU officials previously informed Brazil's Ambassador to the EU, Pedro Miguel da Costa e Silva, that Brazil would need to pass an audit of its control system before exports could resume. While officials in Brasília no longer anticipate a last-minute resolution before the September 3 restrictions, discussions remain ongoing. The Brazilian government is even considering a nationwide ban on certain antimicrobial substances to demonstrate commitment to future EU requirements.
