Beef from the United States has been absent from the Brazilian market for 13 years, but that could soon change. U.S. Meat Export Federation technical services manager Cheyenne McEndaffer says U.S. beef was banned in Brazil after the U.S. BSE case in December of 2003. At the same time the U.S. has been banning Brazilian product due to FMD concerns. However, the two countries now have a trade agreement to resume sales of fresh and frozen beef cuts.
She says with the steps for labeling now nearing completion shipments of U.S. beef should reach Brazil after the first of the year.
McEndaffer adds that there are definitely opportunities for certain U.S. beef cuts in the Brazilian market.
Cuts like sirloin cap are very popular in Brazil and the country could also be a strong market for U.S. beef livers. She expects to see demand for U.S. short ribs, chuck flaps, tri-tips, striploins, skirts and chuck eye rolls as well.
