Brazil Wants to Sell Fish to Europe Again, but Hits a New Block

BRAZIL · ECONOMY

Brazil is pressing to reopen its fish exports to the European Union after nearly a decade shut out, but a fresh EU decision on animal-product imports has cast doubt on the timing of an audit once expected in June.

The push to restart fish exports

Brazilian fish exports to the European Union have been suspended since 2018, after problems with the hygiene standards of fishing vessels. Farmed-fish producers were caught up in the halt, even though the concerns centered on wild-catch boats.

Reopening that market has been a priority for the government, which has worked since 2023 to bring vessels and controls in line with European requirements. Officials had expected a European sanitary audit in the first half of 2026, with a mission anticipated around June, as a decisive step toward lifting the ban.

A new EU decision clouds the timing

On May 12, the European Union updated its list of countries authorized to export animal products to the bloc and dropped Brazil from the group judged to meet rules on antimicrobial use in livestock. The change is set to take effect in September.

Brazil’s fisheries minister said the planned June audit could be compromised by the new dispute, even as the government works to reverse the listing decision. Producer groups noted that the antimicrobial issue relates to livestock, not to fish farming, yet the sector risks being affected again.

For Brazil, the stakes go beyond fish. Reopening European markets is part of a broader effort to diversify exports at a time of trade friction with the United States, making the coming weeks of negotiation important to watch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Brazil’s fish exports to the EU suspended?

The ban dates to 2018 and stemmed from hygiene problems on fishing vessels. Farmed-fish producers were included in the suspension even though the concerns were about wild-catch boats.

What was supposed to happen in 2026?

The government expected a European sanitary audit in the first half of the year, with a mission anticipated around June, as a step toward reopening the market.

What changed in May?

On May 12, the EU dropped Brazil from a list of countries approved to export animal products, over antimicrobial-use controls in livestock. Brazil’s fisheries minister said the June audit could be compromised as a result.

Connected Coverage

For more on the country’s trade performance, see our coverage of Brazil’s record trade surplus. For the logistics side of its exports, see our report on the Port of Santos cargo record.