Brazil threatens EU retaliation over meat export restrictions

Brazil's government threatened reciprocal measures against the European Union if talks fail to resolve the bloc's removal of Brazil from its list of countries approved to export animal protein products. In a joint statement, the Agriculture and Foreign Relations ministries expressed hope for technical dialogue based on scientific criteria, warning they could use reciprocity instruments under national law and the Mercosur-EU agreement if no timely solution emerges. The EU's May decision, effective Thursday, cited unproven antibiotic use and animal traceability issues. Brazil noted the lack of prior consultation and said the restriction undermines trade agreement balance. An EU audit of Brazilian poultry and honey chains concludes Friday, while President Lula has personally appealed to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.