Brazil opens up Saudi Arabia market for live cattle trade

09-Oct-2018 - Last updated on 09-Oct-2018 at 08:59 GMT

Brazil predicts 150,000 animals will be exported to Saudi Arabia per year

Following four years of talks, Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA) has finalised an export deal with Saudi Arabia for live cattle.

The move was finalised after MAPA officials conducted a tour of the Middle Eastern country, while Saudi representatives also came to Brazil in May to inspect the Brazilian ministry’s offices, as well as farms used for cattle breeding and export.

Following the visits, both countries concluded that the controls applied by Brazil for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) are in accordance with the conditions established by Saudi Arabia and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).

The director of the Department of Health for MAPA, Guilherme Marques, predicted to export up to 150,000 animals per year for slaughter and reproduction to Saudi Arabia.

“Saudi represents the possibility for Brazilian exporters to diversify their sales in the East, in a market of high purchasing power,” said Marques.

Saudi Arabia has also expressed its interest to import genetic materials from cattle and birds from Brazil and will aim to start negotiations to secure the International Zoosanitary Certificate.

The Brazilian Beef Exporters Association revealed in July that it will be setting targets for new markets and increase the presence of Brazilian products in partner countries.

Representatives from Brazil and Saudi Arabia will meet in Riyadh in November to discuss operations details for live cattle trade.