Brazil’s negotiations to enter the Japanese beef market are focused on the three southern states, which represent less than 4% of exports measured by volume. For now, the largest exporting states are excluded.
This was confirmed to Reuters by Brazilian government sources. The report indicated that a June memorandum from the Brazilian government—following a visit by Japanese technicians—showed that a questionnaire on beef imports from Paraná, Rio Grande, and Santa Catarina had been answered.
These three states were declared foot-and-mouth disease-free without vaccination earlier than other states. In May, Brazil achieved recognition by the World Organization for Animal Health as a foot-and-mouth disease-free country without vaccination.
In 2024, the three southern states exported 98,400 tons of beef, just 3.5% of total shipments. Meanwhile, the four main beef-exporting states (São Paulo, Mato Grosso, Goiás, and Mato Grosso do Sul) accounted for almost 70% of the total.
