EU suspends Brazilian meat imports over antibiotic rules

The European Union suspended imports of Brazilian beef, chicken, pork, fish, honey, and eggs on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The decision can be reversed depending on negotiations between the EU and the Brazilian government. The EU announced the measure in May after removing Brazil from its list of countries complying with rules on antimicrobial use in livestock. The bloc prohibits these substances for growth stimulation and reserves certain antimicrobials for human treatment, citing insufficient Brazilian controls. Brazil has proposed new protocols, including full animal traceability, but the EU has not reversed its decision. Beef and chicken are the most affected exports, though they represent a small share of Brazil's total export value. Brazilian agricultural groups view the move as protectionist, following the EU-Mercosur trade agreement.