Brazil says China clears 38 more meat plants for export
SAO PAULO, March 12 (Reuters) – The Brazilian government has said 38 additional meat plants have been cleared to sell products to China in what it said was an historic move as both countries celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, according to a statement on Tuesday.
China is the main destination for Brazilian exports of beef, pork and chicken, the Brazilian government noted.
The Asian country imported 2.2 million metric tons of meat valued at more than $8.2 billion from Brazil last year, the statement said.
The 38 new licenses include eight export permits for chicken slaughterhouses, 24 for cattle slaughterhouses, one for a beef processing unit and five for chicken, pork and beef warehouses.
“This is an important moment for both sides,” the Brazilian government said, adding China will import products at competitive prices while Brazil develops its own industry, creating jobs and boosting the local economy. “It is a historic day in the Brazil-China trade relationship, a historic day for our agriculture,” Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro was quoted as saying in a statement.
ABPA, a meat lobby representing pork and poultry processors including BRF BRFS3.SAand JBS JBSS3.SA, welcomed the decision.
The group said the last time China cleared a chicken plant to export into the Asian country was five years ago.
By Ana Mano and Roberto Samora | Reuters
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