The European Union is preparing to introduce strict restrictions on meat imports from Brazil, which could significantly affect the global chicken market. Starting from September 3, Brazil will lose the right to export meat products to the EU if it fails to demonstrate compliance with European requirements on the use of antibiotics in livestock.

This was reported by Euractiv with reference to the spokeswoman of the European Commission Eva Hrncirova. According to her, EU rules clearly prohibit the use of antimicrobial drugs to stimulate growth or increase productivity of farm animals.

The European Commission recently updated the list of countries that have confirmed compliance with European standards on the use of antibiotics in livestock. Brazil was not included in this list, which automatically creates the risk of banning the export of a significant list of products.

This is not only about poultry meat, but also a wide range of goods. According to Eva Grnchirova, the restrictions may apply to cattle, horses, poultry, eggs, aquaculture products, honey and even intestines. Thus, a significant part of Brazil's agricultural exports to the EU is under threat.

Brazil is a key supplier of chicken to the European market. Every year, the country exports about 265 thousand tons of poultry meat to the EU, which is 28.8% of total imports of this type of product into the EU. For comparison, Ukraine ranks second, supplying 200.2 thousand tons, or 21.8% of annual EU imports.

It is important that Brazil remains the only country in the MERCOSUR association that was not included in the updated list of the European Commission. This decision has acquired particular importance against the backdrop of the recent entry into force of the trade agreement between the EU and the MERCOSUR countries, which started on May 1 and provides for a reduction in tariffs, in particular on beef and poultry.

The European Commission emphasizes that the dialogue with the Brazilian side is ongoing. According to the EU spokeswoman, Brussels continues to cooperate with the Brazilian authorities to bring the standards into line with European requirements, and if compliance is confirmed, exports may be allowed or resumed.

At the same time, the Permanent Representation of Brazil to the EU stated that Brussels' decision was unexpected. According to diplomats, there have been no official contacts from the European Commission recently, although the Brazilian side has repeatedly tried to initiate negotiations to resolve the situation.