October 1, 2020

China to suspend Minerva SA beef imports for one week

China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) said it has imposed a temporary suspension on beef imports from Brazilian meatpacker Minerva SA for one week over a possible COVID-19-related contamination issue, Reuters reported.

The Minerva plant suspended is in the Barretos municipality of Sao Paulo state. The suspension will start on October 1.

A GACC statement said the suspension was imposed after a Minerva SA frozen boneless beef package tested positive for COVID-19 coronavirus.

Minerva SA declined to comment on the suspension.

According to China's customs office records, including the Minerva suspension, China has suspended eight Brazilian meat plants from exporting to the country, while there are a few who have stopped exports voluntarily.

On September 29, the chief executive of Marfig said he expects China to issue new export licenses for meat plants in Brazil and Argentina in late-2020, but no further details were provided.

Minerva SA is the biggest exporter of beef in South America. China is the biggest importer of meat from Brazil.

-      Reuters