Another 38 Brazilian meatpacking plants have been cleared to sell meat to China, according to a statement from the Chinese General Administration of Customs (GACC) sent to the Brazilian government on March 12, according to a note published by the Ministry of Agriculture on its website.

The licenses issued by Brazil's largest meat importer include eight chicken slaughterhouses, 24 beef slaughterhouses, one bovine thermo-processing plant and five warehouses.

"This is an important moment for both sides. China will receive quality meat at competitive prices, guaranteeing products for its population, and Brazil will have the certainty of job creation, opportunity and growth in the Brazilian economy," said Agriculture Minister Carlos Fávaro in a statement.

According to the Secretary for Trade and International Relations, Roberto Perosa, "this is the largest number of licenses granted at one time in history".

(Source: Forbes, on March 12)