Brazilian ranchers push back against proposed live cattle export ban

The National Union of Livestock (UNAPEC) has voiced its opposition to Bill No. 2,627/2025, which aims to phase out live cattle exports from Brazil within ten years, with a full ban to take effect five years after the law comes into force. The bill is scheduled for discussion at a public hearing in the Senate’s Environment Committee on Tuesday, the 19th (see project details below).

According to UNAPEC, nothing currently prevents importing countries from purchasing processed Brazilian beef. Nevertheless, many still opt for live animals, whether for cultural or religious reasons or the structure of their production chains.

In the organization’s view, a national law banning exports would not change this reality. “What will actually happen is that these countries will look for new suppliers, and Brazil will lose its share in this market,” the statement said.

UNAPEC also argues that live animal exports give cattle producers more autonomy, enabling them to sell directly without relying on meatpacking companies. “Curtailing this alternative means condemning ranchers to remain at the mercy of a highly concentrated market, where a few buyers set the rules,” the group warns.

Regarding animal welfare, the organization stressed that transport is subject to strict regulation, with constant oversight by the Ministry of Agriculture (Mapa). It also claims that animals receive food, water, and veterinary care during the journey—and often gain weight along the way. “If there are areas to improve, the solution lies in open, evidence-based discussion—not arbitrary, ideological bans,” the statement said.

According to UNAPEC, live cattle exports represent an opportunity to expand markets, empower producers, and boost competitiveness in the livestock sector. For the union, what’s at stake is not just one export model, but the producer’s right to choose whom to sell to.

In 2024, Brazil set a new record for live cattle exports—1 million head shipped abroad, according to data from Scot Consultoria. The previous record was set in 2018 with 784,500 animals.

Understanding the proposed bill on live cattle exports
Bill No. 2,627/2025, authored by federal congresswoman Duda Salabert (PDT-MG), aims to implement a program for the gradual reduction of live animal exports for slaughter until the practice is fully phased out.

Key points cited in the proposal include:

• Progressive reduction: The law would establish annual quotas for each authorized port, enabling strategic planning and industry adaptation.
• Animal welfare: While live exports are still permitted, all transport must comply with strict international standards, following guidelines from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
• Sanitary safety: The bill aims to mitigate the risk of disease transmission during international transportation. It cites, for example, the hypothesis that African Swine Fever—which wiped out more than half of China’s pig herd—may have been introduced via live animal imports.
• Economic transition: The program envisions alternatives, such as promoting increased exports of chilled beef and value-added products. According to the bill’s author, this would strengthen the global competitiveness of Brazil’s livestock sector without harming its foreign trade.

The proposal, which will be the subject of a public hearing, was introduced on May 28, 2025, and is currently awaiting assignment to a rapporteur in the Chamber of Deputies’ Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, according to official legislative records.

Source: Beef Point

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