The Japanese Ambassador in Brasília, Teiji Hayashi, announced the lifting the import ban on chicken meat from Santa Catarina to Japan.
State Governor Jorginho Mello relayed the news via phone and subsequently shared the development on Twitter.
Japan had temporarily halted imports from Santa Catarina since July 17 due to concerns over avian influenza.
Such bans are reviewed after up to 28 days and are lifted if risks are deemed mitigated.
Mello emphasized that this resumption benefits the agro-industry, especially smaller producers.
This decision follows Japan’s recent lifting of a similar ban on another Brazilian state, Espírito Santo.
Santa Catarina’s chicken is highly valued by Japan.
Last year, the state’s exports of chicken meat, eggs, and related products to Japan reached over US$310 million, accounting for nearly 15% of the state’s total revenue from these exports.
During a pre-scheduled visit by the Ambassador to the state in July, organized by the Secretary of International Articulation (SAI), Mello had presented a letter detailing the state’s efforts in addressing avian flu concerns.
This outlined steps taken to meet health standards, aiming for the revival of exports.
Moreover, the negotiations were further bolstered by a trip made by the Brazilian Minister of Agriculture, Carlos Fávaro, to Japan.