US cattle association calls for suspension of Brazilian beef imports

NCBA says Brazil must first prove itself a trustworthy trade partner
calendar icon 12 April 2022
clock icon 2 minute read

Following the recent USDA report highlighting an increase in Brazilian beef imports, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) renewed its call for the immediate suspension of fresh beef imports from Brazil. NCBA has repeatedly called for a thorough audit of Brazil’s animal health and food safety system, to ensure the safety of the US cattle herd. In 2021, Brazilian exports to the United States increased by 131%. In the first three months of 2022, Brazil has already shipped more than 50,000 metric tons of fresh beef to the US.

According to NCBA, the surge of imports triggered a temporary tariff safeguard of 26.4% that will apply to Brazilian beef imports for the rest of 2022. While a temporary tariff increase may discourage further imports from Brazil, the organisation said it does not address the underlying concern over Brazil’s repeated failure to adhere to international animal health and food safety standards.

“We are, once again, calling on Secretary Vilsack to suspend fresh beef imports from Brazil, because of that country’s long history of failing to report BSE cases in a timely manner, said NCBA vice president of government affairs Ethan Lane. “It’s incredibly disappointing to have our science-based recommendations met with no notable response by the US Department of Agriculture." 

"As beef imports from Brazil continue to rise, we urge USDA to reconsider their stance on Brazilian beef and take necessary action to safeguard the integrity of the entire US food supply chain," he added.

NCBA believes that restricting Brazilian imports all altogether is essential until Brazil proves it is a trustworthy and reliable trade partner, capable of adhering to our standards.

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