While the mantle of the world largest beef exporting nation has traditionally been a three-way race between Australia, Brazil and the US, 2012 has seen India race ahead of the pack, with expectations for Indian beef exports to grow again in 2013.
Argentina on Thursday officially lodged a dispute against US restrictions on imports of Argentinean beef and other meat products, the World Trade Organization (WTO) said on Friday.
Last year was very positive for Brazil beef exports having jumped from 4.8 billion dollars in 2010 to 5.37 billion in 2011, which represents an 11.65% increase according to Abicec, the Brazilian Association of Meat exporting industries.
Uruguay meat exports so far this year (June 9) represented 766 million dollars which is slightly higher that the same period last year when the sum was 722 million dollars; likewise tonnage was 195.459 compared to 184.749 tons in 2011.
Brazilian beef exports declined 14% in 2011, to 820.239 tonnes swt, establishing it as the world’s third largest beef exporter behind Australia and the US (Global Trade Atlas).
Uruguay beef exports last year dropped 8% in volume but soared 18% in value because of higher international prices and fewer cattle. However the volume was the lowest since 2004 and confirms a decreasing tendency since 2006, according to the latest figures released by the government.
In eleven months of 2011 Uruguayan meat exports jumped 21% in value compared to the same period a year ago, totalling 1.505 billion dollars and 373.548 tons according to the latest release from the country’s National Meat Board (INAC).
Paraguay experienced negative inflation during the month of November influenced by the fall in meat prices, mainly beef, because of a ban on exports, which more than compensated an increase in fuel costs.
Argentina is currently ranked among the world’s top six exporters of chicken meat (breast and legs) while in beef has dropped to position nine, according to the latest data from the US Department of Agriculture, USDA.
A weaker Brazilian Real should give companies in Brazil's meat sector more flexibility to increase export volumes and could also provide a short-term boost to margins.