Mexico blocks pork imports from Brazil

The decision came from the Mexican courts in response to a request from the Mexican pig breeders association Opomex. Mexican producers contested the decision to open the Mexican market with the health authorities of both countries. According to the producers, the measure could affect the internal market, since 45% of the Mexican pork supply comes through imports. Mexico is the third largest pork importer with 1,2 million tonnes in 2022, behind China and Japan. Almost 90% of imports came from the US in 2022.

Ships cannot dock

Senasica, the Mexican body responsible for the health and quality of agri-food products, has already filed an appeal against the injunction. Because of the injunction, Brazilian pork shipments worth approximately US$ 60 million are ‘trapped’ on ships, which cannot dock in Mexican ports.

Major impact

The injunction surprised the Brazilian government and the sector. The Secretary of Commerce and International Relations of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Roberto Perosa, and the president of the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA), Ricardo Santin, went to Mexico to seek a solution.

According to Perosa, the measure could have major impact. “There are almost US$ 60 million worth of pork products awaiting authorisation to enter Mexico. Mexicans have already paid much of this. The measure would bring great harm to Mexican importers,” he said.

According to ABPA, until October, export was 23,000 tons, placing Mexico as the 11^th destination for Brazilian pork exports. ABPA states it regrets the Mexican decision.“The Mexican and Brazilian authorities have fully complied with the procedures for the start of shipments, and Brazilian producers have fully complied with the health regulations determined for trade, and to date, there have been no health problems in Brazilian shipments.”