January 23, 2006

Argentina resumes pork imports from two Brazilian states

Pork producers from two Brazilian states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul received the green light to export pork to Argentina after a three-month ban because of FMD in two other states, Brazil's Agriculture Ministry said Thursday.

Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul account for more than half of the Brazilian pork sold to neighbouring Argentina, according to the Brazilian Pork Exporters Association (Abipecs).

From Jan-Dec 2005, pork export volume to Argentina totalled 13,145 tonnes worth US$28.4 million, down from 2004's total of 21,514 tonnes worth US$40 million.

Argentina suspended Brazil pork imports because hogs are susceptible to FMD. The disease was found on cattle in Mato Grosso do Sul and Parana states in October and November. Parana state borders Santa Catarina. The ban is still in place against Mato Grosso do Sul, Parana and other states.