BRASÍLIA, Sept 4, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Brazil on Thursday voiced "deep concern" over the EU's decision to suspend meat imports from the South American country, pending assurances that Brasilia is complying with the bloc's animal health rules.

Brussels said Brazil has failed to provide sufficient guarantees that its exports meet European Union standards aimed at preventing the misuse of antibiotics in livestock farming.

The suspension took effect on Thursday, and the EU has not specified when imports might resume.

The Brazilian foreign and agricultural ministries expressed hope that ongoing negotiations would "make it possible to reach a rapid, objective and transparent solution" that is "free from protectionist pressures."

In May, Brazil was put on an EU list of countries that do not adhere to rules on the use of antibiotics in animals.

The bloc bans the use of antimicrobials to promote growth in livestock and restricts the use of antibiotics reserved for human medicine, as part of efforts to curb antimicrobial resistance.

Brazil "is one of the main suppliers of animal protein to the European market, which attests to the compliance of our exports with EU standards," the ministries stated, adding that Brasilia had adopted the "necessary measures" and provided the "relevant information" to the EU.

"If the negotiations do not lead in due time to a satisfactory solution, the Brazilian government reserves the right to resort to appropriate instruments in order to guarantee balanced trade conditions," the government said.

The EU is keen to show its vigilance after facing strong criticism from farmers and from France following its signing in January 2026 of a free trade agreement with South America's Mercosur bloc -- Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay.

Brazil was the EU's second-largest supplier of beef in 2025, exporting more than 92,000 tonnes worth over 713 million euros ($825 million).

The measure affects other commodities such as poultry, eggs and honey.