China partially lifts Brazil export ban

Brazil has set new records in pork exports in 2020, while a number of slaughterhouses were struggling with an export ban to China. In the meantime, China has removed 3 slaughterhouses from the blacklist again.

The Brazilian pig sector came out in 2020 with good results. Pork production and exports were on the cusp of record-breaking and they have now done so. International pork sales amounted to 2020 million tons in 1,021, 36,1% more than in 2019, when 750.300 tons were exported. Sales were $2,27 billion, a result that was 42,2% higher than a year earlier.

The new records were achieved despite several slaughterhouses struggling with an export ban to China. This is due to corona infections among the staff and China's fear of the introduction of the corona virus. Brazilian slaughterhouses also faced export restrictions.

Cancellation of export ban
At the end of December, it was announced that China had blacklisted another Brazilian slaughterhouse. It concerned Aurora's main location in Chapecó, in the state of Santa Catarina. While no reasons were disclosed, the ban is likely related to fears of Covid-19.

There appears to be light at the end of the tunnel. In the meantime, China has lifted the export ban of 3 Brazilian meat factories, including meat giant JBS. The Ministry of Agriculture said China still has a ban on 2 Brazilian factories.

Export ban of Rooi Meat
A number of Dutch slaughterhouses also did not escape the export ban and were temporarily not allowed to export pork to China. Until recently, Dutch pork processors were all allowed to export to China again, but Van Rooi received a message from China at the beginning of February that the slaughterhouse in Helmond has been suspended for the export of pork. The reason for this appears to be an incorrect cooling setting.

Chanti Oussoren

Editor at Boerenbusiness who studies the dairy, pig (meat) and feed markets.

c.oussoren@boerenbusiness. Nl

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