Welsh farmers call for ban on Brazilian beef imports

Welsh livestock farmers are urging the UK government to ban Brazilian meat imports amid concerns over production standards and potential disruption to domestic markets.

NFU Cymru has written to all 32 Welsh MPs seeking support for restrictions similar to those introduced by the EU in September, citing concerns over antibiotic use and traceability in Brazil’s livestock sector.

See also: Pressure grows for UK ban on Brazilian meat imports

The union fears Brazilian beef originally destined for Europe could be redirected to the UK, increasing competition for Welsh producers operating under stricter animal health and welfare requirements.

The EU suspended imports over concerns about antimicrobial controls, with subsequent EU Commission audits identifying weaknesses in systems used to verify compliance with EU requirements.

NFU Cymru said the restrictions could remain in place until late 2027, potentially leaving the UK exposed to additional Brazilian beef supplies.

Standards concern

In their letter, NFU Cymru Livestock Board chairman Rob Lewis and Less Favoured Area Board chairman Kath Whitrow questioned whether imported products were subject to equivalent safeguards.

They said: “It is deeply concerning that imported products could gain access to the UK market despite there being questions regarding the equivalence of standards, oversight arrangements or traceability systems.”

The union highlighted progress made by UK livestock farmers in reducing antibiotic use, with overall farm antibiotic sales falling 60% since 2014 and use of antibiotics important to human medicine declining 83%.

It is calling for restrictions until Brazil can demonstrate that equivalent standards are being met and enforced.

Import volumes

AHDB figures suggest there has been no immediate surge in Brazilian beef shipments to Britain following the EU restrictions.

Brazilian export data showed volumes remained stable during September, although shipments had increased during August.

Brazil exported just over 3,200t of beef to the UK in August, up 9% on July and 52% on the same month in 2025.

This represented approximately 2% of Brazil’s total beef exports that month.

The AHDB cautioned that discrepancies between Brazilian export figures and official UK import data were common because of shipping delays.

The price difference between Brazilian and European beef remains significant, with Brazilian deadweight steer prices averaging £3.28/kg in mid-August, more than £2/kg below EU levels.

Brazil exported 1.7m tonnes of beef during the first half of 2026, up 15% year-on-year, with China accounting for nearly half of shipments and the US a further 12%.

The EU accounted for about 3%, although its higher-value market makes any diversion of trade following September’s restrictions a concern for UK producers.

Government assessment

The Animal and Plant Health Agency has confirmed Britain will not automatically replicate the EU restrictions.

Instead, UK authorities are undertaking their own technical assessment of Brazil’s antimicrobial assurance arrangements, expected to conclude by the end of November.

With official UK import statistics published about two months in arrears, the AHDB said Brazilian export data would remain an important indicator of any changes in trade flows.