May 31, 2013

Japan authorises the importation of Brazilian pork

Japan has authorised the importation of pork from the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina after seven years of negotiations.

The exportations to Japan could start as soon as the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA) sends to the Japanese government the list of exporting establishments that fulfil the health requirements.

Japan is the biggest importer of fresh pork, with a total of US$5.1 billion in 2012, equivalent to 779,000 tonnes, which represents about 31% of the global purchases in terms of value. The second biggest market is Russia, which imported US$2.5 billion in 2012.

In 2012, the main fresh pork suppliers to Japan were US (US$2.1 billion), EU (US$1.4 billion), and Canada (US$1.1 billion). Last year, Brazil - the fourth biggest fresh pork exporter - sold its products to 63 markets for a total of US$1.3 billion, which is about 500,000 tonnes.