April 28, 2009

Chile approves Brazilian plants for beef imports

A total of 16 Brazilian beef plants have been approved for exports to Chile last week by the Chilean Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG).

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) said so far 17 Brazilian beef plants are permitted to export to Chile. The other plant from the state of Rio Grande do Sul had regained entry in 2006.

SAG inspected 18 plants in December 2008, and the Brazilian Beef Exporters Association (ABIEC) expected all will be given access in the short-term.

Brazilian beef accounted for 61 percent of market share in Chile before the FMD ban was implemented. Paraguay and Australia had become larger beef suppliers to Chile due to restricted supply from Argentina and higher prices from Uruguay.

ABIEC is positive that Brazil will soon regain its position as the main beef supplier to Chile.