April 3, 2006

Russia ends ban on Brazilian beef

Russia has announced an end to the ban on meat imports from Brazil, with trade between the two countries to resume next week.

Russia first imposed the ban after the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Brazil in late 2005.

The resumption of imports of beef and pork from the Brazilian states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina would be effective immediately, according to the Brazilian exporters association.

Santa Catarina provided 70 percent of all Brazilian pork to Russia during 2005.

The resumption is expected to impact the European export market, which relied on Russia for 40 percent of its external exports of beef amounting to 110,000 tonnes yearly.

Ireland is the second largest EU exporter of beef to non-EU markets. Last year, Russia accounted for 70 percent of the 37,000 tonnes of beef Ireland exported to non-EU countries. The announcement came at a time when Australia and Germany, both major suppliers of beef, are experiencing increases in production this year.