EU suspends beef imports from Brazil and Namibia

The European Union has implemented meat import suspensions affecting major suppliers, including Brazil and Namibia, due to regulatory and health concerns.

Since September 3, the EU has prohibited the import of Brazilian beef because the country failed to provide sufficient guarantees that production complies with new antimicrobial regulations. These rules restrict the use of antimicrobials for growth promotion or yield increases and certain medicines reserved for human treatment. This suspension is significant as Brazil was the largest single supplier of imported beef to the EU, with exports valued at over $1 billion in 2025. The move comes as EU domestic beef production is projected to decline through 2027.

Separately, the EU has temporarily suspended imports of fresh beef, sheep, and goat meat from Namibia following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. The disease was confirmed on a commercial farm in the Karasburg veterinary district and has since spread to 11 farms. This suspension poses a major economic threat to Namibia, as the EU market accounts for over 80 percent of its beef exports and could impact approximately 25,000 direct jobs. While the suspension is in place, the EU will allow shipments certified by Namibian authorities before September 23 to enter under strict conditions.