The European Union removed Brazil from its list of countries compliant with sanitary rules on antibiotic use in livestock. The measure, effective from September, could cost the country nearly US$ 2 billion in annual meat sales.
Agriculture Ministry data shows Brazil exported US$ 1.8 billion worth of meat to the EU in 2025, totaling 368,100 tons. Beef accounted for US$ 1.04 billion and chicken for US$ 762.9 million.
The Brazilian government said it was surprised by the news and pledged to take immediate steps to reverse the decision. A joint note from the Agriculture, Foreign Affairs and Industry ministries highlighted the country's robust sanitary system and 40-year export history to the European market.
Besides meat, the exclusion affects products such as fish, sausages, live horses and honey. The European bloc justified the action due to insufficient guarantees against excessive antimicrobial use in livestock.