MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentine beef exports expanded 26% in 2004

Argentine beef exports last year expanded 26% in volume and 51% in income compared to 2003, according to the Argentine Sanitary and Quality Office.

In 2004, a total of 478,124 tons were shipped overseas equivalent to 1,05 billion US dollars while in 2003, the volume reached 379.366 tons and 694 million US dollars. Special Hilton cuts totalling 29,819 tons represented the highest dollar value, 210 million US dollars, which represents a 4% and 15% increase over 2003. Germany (16,440 tons) was the main client for Argentine Hilton cuts followed by Holland (4,583 tons) and United Kingdom (4,552 tons).

Fresh and frozen beef sales totalled 291,675 tons equivalent to 602 million US dollars, representing an 88% increase in volume and 114% in income.

Last year Russia was the main importer of Argentine fresh beef, 93,277 tons and 144,4 million US dollars and United States of processed beef, 29,055 tons and 83 million US dolla