Brazil pork sector frustrated by South Africa trade embargo

 

 

Brazil's pork producers are frustrated at South Africa's continued trade embargo on their meat exports.

 

IBSA, the India, Brazil and South Africa forum aimed to create better trade between these countries, is not equipped to resolve trade disputes, the producers said.

 

South Africa imports most of its pork from the EU, which is more costly, defeating the purpose of IBSA, according to the producers.

 

If IBSA was effective, it would not take long to resolve the issue, but the forum pays too much attention to political issues, said Pedro de Camargo Neto, president of the Brazilian Pork Producers and Exporters Association.

 

Brazilian meat exports were suspended after a FMD outbreak in cattle, but several countries have since lifted the ban.

 

Neto said authorities feel swine loses value if there is a FMD outbreak, but the risk analysis they conducted is safe.

 

Brazilian farmers said they are ready to resume exports to South Africa as soon as the embargo is lifted.

 

In 2005, Brazil exported more than US$30 million worth of pork to South Africa. A Brazilian delegation is currently negotiating with South Africa to lift their ban on beef and pork exports.