September 10, 2008

Brazil expects to restart beef, pork exports to South Africa

Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture expects soon to restart beef and pork exports to South Africa, a ministry press officer said late Tuesday (September 9).

"We expect to export (to South Africa) above the level we had in 2005," said the press officer.

Brazil exported 11,200 tonnes of beef and 18,000 tonnes of pork in 2005, before exports were barred by South Africa due to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Brazil.

South African inspectors will visit Brazil in November for 10 days. The decision is likely to take about a month, said the press officer.