Albania is expected to stop importing beef and poultry from Brazil, following changes in European rules for products of animal origin.
The measure is related to the European Union’s requirements for countries and establishments allowed to export animal products to the European market. Under the new rules, which will apply from September 3, 2026, the criteria for the use of veterinary products in food-producing animals become stricter.
In this context, the Ministry of Agriculture has forwarded to the National Food Authority instructions on how to deal with economic operators importing meat from Brazil.
According to the document, because the Albanian order regulating the import of products of animal origin links their permission to European Union lists and approvals, the new European changes are directly reflected in the procedures implemented in Albania.
The NFA has been asked to inform businesses about the change in rules and take measures to implement them starting from September 3.
Brazil has been one of the main suppliers of meat products to the Albanian market for years. Imports from this country have played an important role not only in supplying consumers, but also in the local meat processing industry.
Data from WITS, the World Bank’s platform for trade statistics, show that Albania imported about $28.5 million worth of meat and offal products from Brazil in 2024. About $10.1 million of this value belonged to meat and poultry products.
The change is expected to have consequences in the Albanian market, especially for companies that have relied on Brazilian supplies due to competitive prices and high product volumes.
For the Albanian meat processing industry, the challenge now is to find alternative sources of supply. This will require not only ensuring the necessary quantities and affordable prices, but also meeting food safety standards.
In practice, from September Albanian traders will have to review their supply chains and orient themselves towards other markets that meet the new requirements set by the European framework.