NCBA has repeatedly called for a thorough audit of Brazil’s animal health and food safety system to ensure the safety of the U.S. cattle herd. In 2021, Brazilian exports to the U.S. increased by 131%. In the first three months of 2022, Brazil has already shipped more than 50,000 metric tons of fresh beef to the U.S.

This unprecedented surge of imports triggered a temporary tariff safeguard of 26.4% that will apply to Brazilian beef imports for the rest of 2022. While a temporary tariff increase may discourage further imports from Brazil, it does not address the underlying concern over Brazil’s repeated failure to adhere to international animal health and food safety standards.

“We are, once again, calling on Secretary Vilsack to suspend fresh beef imports from Brazil because of that country’s long history of failing to report BSE [bovine spongiform encephalopathy] cases in a timely manner. It’s incredibly disappointing to have our science-based recommendations met with no notable response by the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” said Ethan Lane, NCBA vice president of government affairs. “As beef imports from Brazil continue to rise, we urge USDA to reconsider their stance on Brazilian beef and take necessary action to safeguard the integrity of the entire U.S. food supply chain.”

NCBA believes that restricting Brazilian imports all altogether is essential until Brazil proves it is a trustworthy and reliable trade partner, capable of adhering to U.S. standards.   

Background

Only 12% of beef consumed in America is imported, and nearly 75% of beef imports are lean beef trimmings used in combination with fattier trimmings to make ground beef. The majority of imported beef comes from countries that have formalized trade agreements with the U.S. or who have specific import quotas. All other beef imports are sold under the “other countries” annual quota of 65,000 metric tons. Beef sold under the other countries quota is a charged a rate of 4.4 cents per kilogram, and beef sold over the quota is charged a 26.4% tariff.

According to the latest U.S. Customs and Border Protection report, the other countries quota is full, resulting in a tariff increase on beef imports from Brazil, Japan, Ireland, Lithuania and the U.K. for the remainder of 2022. A majority of the quota was met due to the 50,000 metric tons of fresh beef imports from Brazil to the U.S. in the first quarter of 2022.  

—From a National Cattlemen’s Beef Association news release