The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) projected a decrease in beef imports from the European Union by 2027 due to the blocking of Brazil as a supplier.
USDA technicians highlighted that Uruguay is one of the countries best positioned to increase its shipments to the bloc in light of the new health and anti-forestry regulations.
In a report released recently, the USDA predicted that by 2027 beef imports from the European Union will fall by almost 17%.
This will be due to the blocking of imports from Brazil since September 3, which cannot be compensated for by increased shipments from other origins.
By 2026, imports are estimated to reach 480,000 tons (the highest since 2009), assuming that Brazilian meat stocks have accumulated and that the remaining suppliers can place 200,000 tons in the second half of the year.
According to the report, stockpiles will accumulate in 2026 before the anti-deforestation regulations come into effect next year. These meat stocks will be consumed between this year and next.
The projected imports of 400,000 tons for 2027 assume the maximum exportable supply from alternative suppliers to Brazil.
The report highlighted that in the first half of 2026, European Union beef imports grew by 17.5% year-on-year. This was almost entirely explained by the 56% jump in purchases from Brazil. In 2025, Brazilian beef imports reached 130,000 tons, representing 28% of the total.
The report indicated that anti-deforestation regulations will restrict European imports of alternative sources to Brazil next year.
According to USDA experts, the countries that would best meet the anti-deforestation requirements and be best positioned to increase their exports to the bloc are the United Kingdom, Uruguay and Argentine.
