By Jamie Martin
At a hearing held by the U.S. International Trade Commission, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) called for stronger action against Brazil’s beef trade practices. The hearing, part of a Section 301 investigation, examined whether Brazil’s policies cause unfair harm to U.S. commerce.
NCBA’s Executive Director of Government Affairs, Kent Bacus, explained that while President Trump’s decision to impose tariffs up to 76% on Brazilian products was welcomed, it is not enough.
“NCBA is extremely supportive of President Trump holding Brazil accountable by levying upwards of 76% tariffs on Brazilian goods headed to the U.S. market. This is a good first step, but the administration must continue to hold Brazil accountable for its trade barriers on U.S. beef and its lack of transparency and accountability,” said Bacus. “NCBA urges the Trump administration to suspend beef imports from Brazil until a thorough audit and inspection process proves that Brazil can meet an equivalent level of food safety and animal health.”
NCBA is urging the administration to suspend beef imports from Brazil until the country proves it can meet equivalent U.S. food safety and animal health standards through transparent audits.
In the last five years, Brazil exported $4.45 billion in beef to U.S. markets while blocking reciprocal access for American beef through restrictive policies. At the same time, Brazil’s failure to quickly report major animal health incidents, such as atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), has raised red flags. Cases in 2021 and 2023 were disclosed only after long delays, despite active exports during those times.
“NCBA was the first to raise alarms over the Brazilian government’s food safety issues in 2017 and its delays in reporting atypical BSE cases in 2021 and 2023. The United States holds all trading partners to the highest science-based standards, and Brazil should not be the exception,” said Bacus.
By urging stronger enforcement and suspension of imports, NCBA hopes to protect U.S. cattle producers and ensure fairness in global beef trade.
Photo Credit: national-cattleman-s-beef-association
Categories: National