Brazil negotiating zero-tariff meat quota with Türkiye

BRAZIL – Brazil is finalizing talks with Türkiye to secure a deal that would open the Turkish market to Brazilian meat exports. 

The initial agreement under discussion involves a quota of 4,000 to 5,000 metric tons of meat that can be imported with no tariffs. 

Brazilian exporters would also need to comply with Türkiye’s requirement for sanitary testing on shipments.

The proposed quota marks the first step in Brazil’s plan to gain a foothold in the Turkish market, which has experienced a sharp rise in meat prices. 

Over the past year, beef prices in Türkiye have surged by 200%, forcing many consumers to reduce their beef purchases by 30% and shift toward more affordable alternatives like chicken.

Negotiations have already addressed key technical and sanitary issues to enable exports. 

Türkiye has insisted that all meat imports be tested for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), despite the World Organization for Animal Health classifying Brazil as having a “negligible risk” of the disease. 

Brazilian officials agreed to the terms as part of a strategy to secure market access and explore future growth opportunities.

Initially, Brazil had proposed a quota of 10,000 metric tons, but this figure was halved during discussions. 

Representatives of Brazil’s private sector, however, estimate that annual meat exports to Türkiye could eventually reach 300,000 metric tons if the market becomes fully accessible.

Türkiye’s current import tariff on beef is set at 225%, creating significant barriers for foreign suppliers. 

Export sector sources suggest that a tariff of up to 20% would be manageable while keeping Brazilian meat competitive in the Turkish market. 

Talks are ongoing to potentially reduce this rate further, with an aim of around 12%.

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