Ban impact unclear ‘for some time’

THE full market impact of the European Commission’s ban on Brazilian beef imports is unlikely to become clear for some time, according to Bord Bia.

It stated in its weekly market monitor that the impact depends on the period of time before Brazil secures a list of approved holdings acceptable to the EU and the number of farms involved.

“Any sustained period where no farms are approved would have a considerable impact on beef availability within the EU given the fact that Brazil supplied around 270,000 tonnes in 2007. Other suppliers... are expected to increase shipments, but are unlikely to be in a position to offset the absence of Brazilian beef,” it said.