MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Promising 2005 for meat exporting countries.

The world's main suppliers of meat (beef, hog, broilers and turkeys) will reach a record 16,7 million tons next year, a 5,4% increase over 2004, according to a report from the United States Agriculture Department.

Brazil is forecasted to remain the leading exporter of beef and poultry for the second year running, while hog production and exports in China, United States and Canada are expected to reach historic levels.

United States total meat exports are forecasted in 3,5 million tons, a 6,4% increase over 2004.

Australia and New Zealand are expected to dominate the Japanese market since United States and Canada will be absent because of sanitary restrictions following the outbreak of "mad cow" disease in both countries.

The USDA reports also anticipates a promising year for South America's beef exports given the improved sanitary condition, favourable international environment and better marketing techniques.

World hog exports are expected to reach 4,2 million tons, 1% over 2004 with China as the leading producer and consumer. China has targeted Japan as its main customer, which in spite of some sanitary safeguards is the world's main importer.

The 25 countries of the European Union are the world's main hog meat exporters and will continue so in 2005.

As to poultry and turkey, exports are forecasted to reach 6,2 million tons, a considerable 7,2% increase over 2004. Chicken influenza retracted sales and exports worldwide, but Brazil will remain as the leading global supplier with a 10% increase in 2005.

In 2003 and 2004, chicken influenza forced China and Thailand to change from fresh to cooked exports to help mitigate losses caused by the virus. However Brazil figures as the main beneficiary of the two Asian countries retraction.