MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentina authorizes export of 45.000 tons of beef in July

Argentina authorized the export of 45.000 tons of beef, following on June's 51.000 tons but still short of orders for 77.000 tons. The monthly export figures are regulated by an agreement reached between the government and farmers' organization which privileges domestic consumption.

The Framework Accord, agreed last April, contemplates overseas annual sales of 550.000 tons of beef and is geared to ensure "macroeconomic reliability and market transparency", said Ricardo Etchegaray head of the National Office of Agriculture Trade, ONCCA, the office which extends export licenses. Mr. Etchegaray insisted that all operators "must clearly establish their production storage capacity and stock production at the moment of requesting the export licence". Argentina's beef production in 2007 was equivalent to 3.217.604 tons with domestic consumption absorbing 83%, (2.678.589 tons). However in May, June and July this year production contracted significantly "so we have been forced to closely monitor beef exports" said Etchegaray. "So the 45.000 tons approved export is in line with the annual volume agreed between the government and the meat industry".