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After Criticisms from the French CEO of Carrefour About Mercosur Meat, Brazilian Governor Suggests Reciprocity in Commercial Relations, Raising Possibility of Boycott Against Companies.
The governor of Mato Grosso, Mauro Mendes (Union), announced a firm action against the Carrefour and Atacadão chains, following statements from the CEO of the French group about meat from Mercosur. Mendes considers the remarks to be attacks on Brazil’s image and stated that he will not let this go unnoticed.
In an interview with CNN, Mendes declared: “The way you treat me, I have the right to treat you.” He called for reciprocity in commercial relations and urged Brazilians, especially those linked to agribusiness, to boycott the stores of both chains in the country.
Legal Measures and Local Pressure
The governor revealed that he has already instructed the finance secretary of Mato Grosso to study legal measures against the Carrefour group. According to him, the actions will be taken within the limits of the law, but he assured that the company will face difficulties in the state.
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“Within the law, within the limits of the law, they will not have an easy time here in my state for disrespecting our country, disrespecting agribusiness,” emphasized Mendes.
Criticism of Europe and French Protectionism
Mendes took the opportunity to criticize what he considers a trade war disguised as environmental concern. He highlighted that Brazil has stricter environmental preservation practices than many European countries.
In the Amazon biome, for example, rural landowners are required to preserve 80% of their land, while French farmers operate with much less restriction.
According to Mendes, Europeans, particularly the French, rely heavily on agricultural subsidies and cannot compete with the efficiency of Brazilian producers. He stated that such barriers are strategies to avoid free competition.
Pessimism About the Mercosur-European Union Agreement
The governor also expressed skepticism regarding the viability of the trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union, due to France’s resistance. He suggested that Brazil diversify its trade partnerships, looking to markets in Asia and the Middle East as more promising alternatives.
“As long as we continue to insist on agreements with countries that do not want to negotiate fairly, we will lose opportunities in regions where there is real demand for our products,” he stated.
Carrefour Responds
In a statement sent to CNN, Carrefour explained that the CEO’s remarks were misinterpreted. According to the company, the recently announced decision to suspend the purchase of meat from Mercosur applies only to stores in France. The measure, according to the group, reflects the demands of the French agricultural sector, which faces internal difficulties.
“All other countries where the Carrefour Group operates, including Brazil and Argentina, continue to operate without any changes and can continue to purchase meat from Mercosur,” clarified the statement.
Deputy Criticizes Boycott of Mercosur Meat
The Carrefour’s decision to boycott Mercosur meat has caused great indignation among Brazilian agribusiness leaders. Deputy Alceu Moreira (MDB-RS), former president of the Parliamentary Front for Agriculture (FPA) and current director of Agricultural Policy, expressed his discontent and is already planning actions against the French company.
Moreira announced that he will present a request to the president of the Chamber, Arthur Lira (PP-AL), to create an external commission aimed at investigating Carrefour’s practices in Brazil.
He claims that it is necessary to “put a finger on the wound” of the company, analyzing complaints related to racial, environmental, and labor issues. “It is an absolutely irresponsible, fallacious, and discriminatory attitude, in a clear protectionist affront to the Brazilian agribusiness sector,” declared the parliamentarian.
The controversy intensified after Carrefour’s CEO, Alexandre Bompard, announced the decision to stop selling meats from countries that comprise Mercosur. For Moreira, this stance is “regrettable” and contrary to the principles of dialogue and international cooperation.
He argued that Brazil has one of the most stringent legislations in the world regarding environmental control and sustainable development, ensuring the quality of the country’s products.
Impacts and Reactions
According to the deputy, Carrefour’s decision raises doubts about the company’s coherence. He questions Bompard’s lack of concern for Carrefour’s operations in Brazil, where 80% of internal supply is provided by Brazilian suppliers. “Moreover, the decision ignores the high standards that certify our products,” he highlighted.
Bompard’s statement was released on the 20th, addressed to the president of FNSEA (National Federation of Agricultural Operators’ Unions), Arnaud Rousseau. The CEO stated that the choice reflects the dissatisfaction of French farmers amid negotiations for a free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur.
The letter expresses the “disappointment and anger” of French producers in light of the possibility of increased competition from imported meats from South America.
Carrefour’s Position
In response, Carrefour stated that the ban on Mercosur meat applies only to operations in France. According to the statement released by the company on the 21st, the decision does not question the quality of South American products but responds to a demand from French farmers during a crisis in the European agricultural sector.
As Carrefour seeks to justify its position, tension with Brazilian agribusiness deepens. Moreira stated that the proposal to create an external commission aims to assess all dimensions of the case, including possible damage to the image of the Brazilian productive sector.
A partir de hoje estarei cancelando cartão atacadão e deixando de comprar nas lojas da rede. Vivo do agro.
Até que enfim os boca aberta brasileiros estão reagindo as imposições europeias principalmente. O Brasil é muito mais forte e rico que Europa toda e fica se sujeitando a essas situações. Eles que criem o que comerão então.
Primeiro, esse sr. Tem que sair da função que exerce.ele não tem habilidade pra o cargo. Colocando diplomacia em conflitos. Quanto a carne do Brasil, tem que ser incentivado os abatedouro municipais. Deixa isso grandes produzirem para exportações. A questão interna é política . De volta nossos abatedoros. Logo teremos preço bem melhores.