China accredits 38 more Brazilian meat processing plants for export

China is the main destination for Brazilian beef, pork and chicken exports, the Brazilian government noted . Last year, the Asian country imported 2.2 million tons of meat from Brazil, worth more than $8.2 billion, it said in a statement.

The 38 new licenses include eight export permits for slaughterhouses, 24 for meat processing plants, one for a beef processing facility and five for chicken, pork and beef warehouses.

“This is an important moment for both sides,” the Brazilian government said, adding that China will import products at competitive prices while Brazil develops its own industry, creating jobs and boosting the local economy. “This is a historic day in trade relations between Brazil and China , a historic day for our agriculture,” Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro was quoted as saying in a statement.

ABPA, the meat lobby representing pork and poultry processors including BRF andJbs , welcomed the decision. The last time China allowed chicken exports to an Asian country was five years ago, the group said.

“Brazil's sales prospects to the Asian country are good thanks to the new licenses, especially as new business groups will have access to this important market for the first time,” ABPA chief markets officer Luis Rua said in a statement.

The Agriculture Ministry said Brazil currently has 144 meat processors authorized to export to China, including 38 new permits announced Tuesday.