Brazil ensures pork export to Singapore even under ASF outbreak

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) of Brazil has established a regionalisation agreement with Singapore to ensure the trade of pork products even in the event of an African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in Brazil.

The measure, already in effect, allows trade to continue provided that the disease occurs within a specific zone and that sanitary control measures follow the guidelines of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). The agreement will bring greater security and predictability to the pork trade between the 2 countries, benefiting industry representatives on both sides. Access to the Singaporean market, one of the most demanding in Asia, represents an opportunity for further trade in the region.

According to the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA), Singapore was the 5^th largest destination for Brazilian pork exports in 2023, accounting for 5.29% of total exports, with 64,300 tonnes shipped.

Marcelo Mota, Director of the Animal Health Department at the Secretariat for Agricultural Defence, highlighted that the protocol reflects Singaporean authorities’ recognition of Brazil’s official veterinary services and its productive sector in ensuring food safety for the country.

The last recorded cases of ASF in Brazil occurred in 1981, with the disease officially eradicated from the national territory in 1984 following rigorous containment efforts, sanitary culling, and herd management.

Since 1988, the WOAH recognised Brazil internationally as free from the disease. ASF is a highly contagious viral disease that affects domestic and wild pigs. While the disease poses no risk to human health, it can cause severe economic losses for the pork industry.

Tags: Brazilian Animal Protein Association, exports, pork, Brazil, trade, African Swine Fever, Singapore, ASF, agreement