September 8, 2011

Amid conflict, Iran remains Brazil's main beef export market

Amid foreign policy disputes, Iran remains the top buyer of Brazilian beef in August.

The Financial Times reported that Iran's August beef imports from Brazil valued at US$ 61.7 million in beef based on the figures from the Association of Brazilian Beef Exporters. The value made Iran the biggest export market for Brazilian beef for the first time, surpassing even those purchases from Russia.

Fernando Sampaio, the association's executive director, noted the importance of Iran as Brazil's commercial partner, given that Tehran purchases the most expensive beef cuts and makes timely payments.

These improved commercial ties deepen the foreign relations dilemma that Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff is facing, as she has pledged to take a more rigid stance against Tehran compared with her predecessor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.