May 22, 2007

Russia suspends beef imports from 11 Brazilian meatpackers

Russia has banned beef from 11 slaughterhouses in different states of Brazil effective May 18.

No reasons were disclosed regarding the ban but Brazil's meat exporters association Abiec is expected to make an announcement regarding the prohibition within the week.

Russia is Brazil's main beef exporting market.

Russia has already banned products from three of JBS Friboi's meat plants-Brazil's leading meat exporter-located in central-western Mato Grosso and Goias states, and in southeastern Sao Paulo. Brazilian meat processor and exporter Minerva had four of its slaughterhouses banned from exporting beef to Russia, three located in Sao Paulo and one in Goias. The remaining units with suspended exports are the beef producers Rio Grandense and Tres C, in southernmost Rio Grande do Sul, Frinorte, in northern Tocantins, and Mato Grosso-based Intercoop.