Although there continue to be high-level governmental talks Brazil is the EU’s largest supplier of imported fresh and processed beef and poultry. During the first four months of 2026, Brazil accounted for approximately 33% of all EU beef imports and almost 45% of poultry imports, while also supplying around 60% of processed meat imports. In volume terms, the EU imported over 83,000 tonnes of Brazilian beef in 2025, while Brazilian poultry shipments to the EU were around 231,000–233,000 tonnes in the same period.
The UK position appears different for now with the expectation Defra will conduct its own assessment, with a decision due by December, although this is not confirmed. Brazil imports account for approximately 15% of UK beef and poultry imports, highlighting the potential significance of any future UK policy changes.
The potential market impacts are availability, pricing and sourcing flexibility. If the EU suspension proceeds, displaced Brazilian volumes may seek alternative markets, while EU buyers will need to secure replacement supply. This could tighten availability and increase competition for compliant beef and poultry sources across Europe and the UK. Beef is likely to be more exposed than poultry due to longer production cycles and the complexity of traceability requirements.
Dawn Farms, who are a key UK supplier, say “For now, it remains an uncertain outlook. For Dawn Farms, our focus remains on maintaining a safe, compliant and uninterrupted supply chain for our customers. We will continue to monitor developments closely.”