Albania Faces Decision as EU Bans Brazilian Meat Over Antibiotic Concerns

The European Union will prohibit imports of Brazilian beef and poultry from 3 September 2026 because of concerns about excessive antibiotic use in Brazil’s livestock sector. Brazil supplies roughly a quarter of the EU’s imported meat, so the ban is expected to disrupt supply chains, raise chicken and beef prices, and force exporters to seek alternative markets such as Ukraine, Thailand and China, which lack sufficient quota capacity.

Albania currently imports Brazilian meat under a 2006 order that requires EU certification of processing facilities. With the EU authorization set to lapse, the Albanian Food and Veterinary Authority has urged Agriculture Minister Andis Salla to issue new regulations. Until a decision is made, Albania could continue allowing Brazilian meat imports despite the EU ban, creating legal and safety uncertainties for consumers and businesses.

The ban also poses a major market challenge for Brazil, which must reallocate domestic surpluses and may redirect poultry exports to the UK, Mexico, Asia and the Middle East at lower prices.