Brazil’s Agriculture Minister Backs Meat Suppliers in Carrefour Dispute
Brazil’s Agriculture Minister, Carlos Favaro, has publicly supported local meat suppliers who have stopped delivering to Carrefour supermarkets, escalating tensions between Brazil and the French retail giant over Mercosur trade negotiations.
Rising Tensions Over Mercosur
The row began when Carrefour CEO Alexandre Bompard announced that the supermarket chain would stop selling meat sourced from Mercosur countries, including Brazil, citing concerns over environmental sustainability and deforestation.
This decision has drawn sharp criticism from Brazil, where meat production is a key economic sector. Favaro voiced his support for the meat suppliers’ boycott of Carrefour, which began last week.
“I am happy with the attitude of our suppliers,” Favaro told GloboNews, referring to the disruption in meat deliveries to Carrefour stores in Brazil.
The move comes amid growing frustration in Brazil over Carrefour’s stance, which many see as a politically charged decision aimed at exerting pressure on Mercosur trade practices.
Economic and Diplomatic Fallout
The decision by Carrefour has significant implications for both Brazil’s meat industry and its broader trade relations with France.
Brazil is the world’s largest exporter of beef, and Carrefour’s pledge to exclude meat from the region has angered national lawmakers and businesses.
Brazilian meat suppliers have retaliated by halting deliveries to Carrefour, aiming to send a strong message to the French retailer.
The ongoing dispute highlights the broader tensions surrounding Mercosur, the South American trade bloc, and the delicate balance between environmental concerns and economic interests.
While Carrefour’s move aligns with global sustainability efforts, critics argue it unfairly targets Brazil, disregarding other factors contributing to environmental damage, such as illegal deforestation.
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