The Russia lifted restrictions on Brazilian beef, according to a statement released this Friday (7) by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Protein shipments to the country had been blocked since March 1st, after the discovery of an atypical case of “mad cow” disease in the state of Pará.
In a note, Itamaraty says it is pleased to receive the announcement of the end of restrictions imposed due to the isolated case of BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy). “Unlike the classic form of the disease, the atypical form [de EEB] it occurs naturally and spontaneously in the cattle herd, does not represent a risk to public health and does not justify import restrictions”, explains the folder.
The Russian announcement follows the recent reopening of Philippine markets on March 28 and from China on March 23for receiving batches of beef from Brazil, from animals over 30 months old.
In 2022, the Beef exports to Russia totaled around R$834.9 million (US$165 million), equivalent to 24 thousand tons of the product. The Philippines, sixth destination for beef exports from Brazil, bought R$ 1.4 billion (US$ 275 million) last yearreferring to 61 thousand tons) of national protein.
In the case of China, the beef producers in Brazil lose up to US$ 25 million a day with the embargo. About 62% of Brazilian beef exports were destined for China last year.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its network of embassies, together with the agricultural attaches of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock in strategic countries, has continued to act since the occurrence of the BSE case to avoid undue closing of markets”, highlights the folder.