July 22, 2009
Brazil in talks to reopen beef, pork exports to South Africa
Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture confirmed Tuesday (July 21) that a Brazilian delegation is negotiating to remove an embargo on beef and pork exports to South Africa.
South Africa suspended beef and pork purchases from Brazil in 2005 after cases of foot-and-mouth disease were discovered in the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and Parana.
Prior to the embargo, Brazil exported 11,200 tonnes of beef and 18,000 tonnes of pork annually to South Africa, according to government trade figures.
Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture said the delegation would provide the South African government with veterinary information as well as health safety guarantees and certifications.
Brazil is the world's No.1 beef exporter as well as a leading exporter of pork.
