Brazil seeks China approval for 33 meat export facilities (updated)

Jbs NV

20/05/2026 12:50

Recasts with Brazil's request for more plants to be cleared for export

By Rodrigo Viga Gaier

RIO DE JANEIRO, May 20 (Reuters) - Brazil has asked China to clear exports from 33 more meatpacking plants as it seeks to boost trade with its top customer, Agriculture Ministry trade secretary Luis Rua told Reuters on Wednesday.

Request comes as ministry officials traveled to China this week for talks with their counterparts.

Brazilian delegation included recently appointed Agriculture Minister Andre de Paula.

According to Rua, the list includes 20 beef plants, 11 chicken facilities and two pork plants.

News outlet Globo Rural reported the move earlier in the day.

China already authorized three meatpacking plants to resume beef shipments following a 2025 suspension, according to industry group Abiec.

Among the plants cleared was the Mozarlandia facility of JBS, the world's largest meatpacker.

"This move reinforces China's confidence in the Brazilian sanitary system and the quality of beef produced in Brazil," Abiec said.

Brazil is the world's largest beef and chicken exporter, as well as a top pork supplier.

(Reporting by Rodrigo Viga Gaier; Editing by Andrew Heavens, Louise Heavens, Rod Nickel)

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