February 25, 2021

Brazilian ranchers against plans to import live cattle from Paraguay

Brazilian ranchers have opposed a plan by a meatpackers trade group urging the Brazil Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply to allow imports of live cattle from Paraguay, Reuters reported.

The request to import cattle comes as domestic cattle supply has dwindled in recent months because of strong demand from meat processors.

However, ranchers from Mato Grosso do Sul and in Mato Grosso states represented by groups Acrissul and Acrimat, said the move could affect the sanitary status of Brazilian produced cattle.

Both Mato Grosso do Sul and in Mato Grosso states have 51 million head of cattle or 25% of the country's total herd based on government data.

The trade group seeking the import authorisation, SICADEMS based in Mato Grosso do Sul, could not be reached for comment. Mato Grosso do Sul state borders Paraguay to the east.

Brazilian cattle costs have surged as the biggest beef exporter in the world sold record beef volumes to China and other countries in 2020, resulting in diminishing supplies and rising cattle prices domestically.

Matheus Andrade, an international relations consultant, said the agriculture ministry needs to issue an international animal health certificate to permit imports. But permitting this import will open the way to similar certificates for other cattle exporting nations.

- Reuters