Brazil meat exports face EU import blocks over veterinary medicine use

New European Union regulations regarding the use of veterinary medicines and growth promoters in livestock are set to disrupt meat trade from Brazil. Starting September 3, 2026, Brazil will be unable to export animal products, including beef and poultry, to the EU unless it can demonstrate full compliance with EU standards regarding antimicrobial use.

This regulatory shift has direct implications for countries that follow EU veterinary protocols, such as Albania. Following the EU decision, Albania is expected to halt meat imports from Brazil, which has been a primary supplier of beef, pork, and poultry for the last 20 years. In 2024, Albania imported approximately $28.5 million worth of meat and meat products from Brazil.

While Brazil is attempting to adjust its control systems to meet these requirements, analysts suggest that full compliance within the required timeframe may be difficult. The move is driven by EU concerns over the use of substances that increase muscle mass in animals, prompting a search for new suppliers that can guarantee food safety and regulatory alignment.