Sat Sep 21 16:52:11 UTC 2024: ## Paraguay and Chile Celebrate Strong Trade Ties, EU Suspends Brazilian Beef Imports
**Asunción, Paraguay (September 21st, 2024)** – Chile’s Ambassador to Paraguay, Manuel Francisco Gormaz Lira, highlighted the strong economic ties between the two countries during a celebration of Chile’s independence at the Chilean Embassy in Asunción. He stated that Paraguay is Chile’s fifth-largest trading partner in the region and tenth-largest worldwide, with bilateral trade reaching US$ 1.8 billion annually.
The ambassador emphasized the importance of Paraguay’s beef exports to Chile, noting that last year over 128,000 tons of Paraguayan beef, worth US$ 665 million, were exported to Chile. This represents 50% of Paraguay’s total beef exports. Daniel Prieto Davey, President of Paraguay’s Rural Association (ARP), attended the event.
Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) announced a temporary suspension of Brazilian beef imports starting October 6th. The ban specifically targets beef from female cattle, pending verification that the animals were not treated with estradiol, a hormone used in artificial insemination. Only beef from male cattle will be allowed for trade during this period.
This measure also applies to the United Kingdom due to the ban on estradiol in both regions, as its presence in meat is considered a potential health risk.
First Piper 