China Narrows Brazilian Poultry Restrictions to Single State
China's CFNA announces revised poultry import policy, limiting restrictions to Rio Grande do Sul state due to Newcastle disease outbreak. Brazilian authorities maintain broader export limitations.
China's Commerce Chamber of Foodstuffs and Native Produce (CFNA) has announced a significant update to its policy on Brazilian poultry imports. As of August 2, 2024, restrictions now apply exclusively to products originating from Rio Grande do Sul state, following an isolated outbreak of Newcastle disease in the region last month.
Madame Yu Lu, CFNA Vice President, shared this information during a food conference in São Paulo. She referenced a joint statement from China's customs authority and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, issued on August 7, 2024.
Brazil, the world's largest exporter of chicken meat, had previously implemented a self-imposed embargo on July 19, 2024. This measure involved suspending the issuance of health certificates required for poultry exports to China, the world's leading importer of agricultural products.
The Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA), representing the country's poultry and pork producers, reported no official communication regarding the reduction of the embargo to only Rio Grande do Sul. This lack of information highlights the complex nature of international trade regulations and communication channels in the global food market.
In contrast to the CFNA's announcement, the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture maintained that nationwide restrictions on poultry exports remain in effect for China, Mexico, and Argentina. This discrepancy underscores the intricate dynamics of international trade relations and the potential economic impact on Brazil's crucial agricultural sector.
Newcastle disease, a highly contagious viral infection affecting birds, can have severe economic consequences for the poultry industry. The outbreak in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil's southernmost state, prompted swift action to contain its spread and mitigate potential trade disruptions.
As Brazil and China continue to navigate this trade challenge, the situation underscores the delicate balance between protecting public health and maintaining vital economic partnerships in the global food supply chain.
