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Brazil minister says US 'gesture' on beef import insufficient
22.03.2019 10:23 "Agro Perspectiva" (Kyiv) —
As of this week, Brazilian Agriculture Minister Tereza Cristina Dias said that a US agreement to conduct further inspections on the Brazilian meatpacking system is a step toward reopening the United States to fresh Brazilian beef, but is not sufficient, Reuters reports.
As to the report, the Diaz statements came after a visit to Washington alongside Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro as the new president seeks to boost his relationship with the Trump administration. It is to be reminded, as of this week Tues, Brazil announced a tariff-free quota for wheat import and steps toward allowing US pork import.
The United States in exchange ceded little ground, agreeing to pursue further inspections of Brazilian fresh beef producers as a «gesture» of goodwill toward reopening the beef market.
«This is really not a concession, it’s a technical issue…I do not consider it an exchange,» Dias said.
It is to be reminded, the United States halted fresh beef import from Brazil as of Jun 2017 after discovering issues with the meat in the wake of a scandal alleging Brazil meatpackers bribed inspectors for favorable results.
As to the report, Dias clarified that the tariff-free wheat quota that was agreed to within the Washington visit was for all global wheat exporters and not only the United States. The United States is seen as the major beneficiary of the quota, although Brazil has recently reopened to importing the Russian wheat.
The next step would be for Brazil to send inspectors to the United States, although no date has been set for such a trip, Dias said.
A potential trade deal between the United States and China that would boost US purchases is a concern, but any agreement would need to be evaluated, Dias said.
Dias also admitted she would travel to China, potentially as of this year May, with her goals including strengthening relations to benefit the soybeans’ trade.
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