(NAFB.com) – Following a USDA report highlighting an increase in Brazilian beef imports, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association renewed its call to immediately suspend fresh beef imports from Brazil.

NCBA has repeatedly called for a thorough audit of Brazil’s animal health and food safety system, to ensure the safety of the U.S. cattle herd. In 2021, Brazilian exports to the United States increased by 131 percent. In the first three months of 2022, Brazil has already shipped more than 50,000 metric tons of fresh beef to the United States. The surge of imports triggered a temporary tariff safeguard of 26.4 percent that will apply to Brazilian beef imports for the rest of 2022.

While a temporary tariff increase may discourage further imports, NCBA says it does not address the underlying concern over Brazil’s repeated failure to adhere to international animal health and food safety standards. NCBA believes restricting Brazilian imports is essential until Brazil proves it can adhere to U.S. standards.