Live Cattle Exports Rising In Southern Hemisphere

GLOBAL - Brazil, Uruguay and Australia are countries frequently associated with international beef exports, writes Joe Burke, from the Meat Division of Bord Bia.

7 June 2010

2 minute read

However, live exports also account for a significant proportion of the cattle they produce each year.

Figures for the first quarter of 2010 show a sustained increase in this trade in each case. Exports to the Middle East have been particularly strong, in spite of cattle prices having risen by more than 20 per cent over the past year.

In 2009, Brazil exported over 530,000 live cattle, with Pará, a state in the North of the country, supplying 95 per cent of these animals.

The average delivered value of these animals was reported to be in the region of US$860 (€700) per head.

Figures for the first quarter of 2010 show a 23 per cent increase in live exports, with numbers exceeding 156,000, a record for the period. Over 70per cent of these exports were destined for neighbouring Venezuela, while Lebanon was the next most important market, taking 25 per cent. The remaining exports were mainly to Egypt.

Uruguay exported an estimated 310,000 live cattle last year, up from just 170,000 in 2008. This increase has reportedly been maintained to-date this year. The trade has been mainly driven by higher numbers of finished cattle going for slaughter in Brazil on account of the high value of the Real.

In addition, Uruguay has resumed exporting cattle to Egypt, after a reopening of that market. Other important destinations include Lebanon, Jordan and Syria.

Last year, Australia exported 948,000 head of cattle, representing a 10 per cent increase on 2008 and the highest total since 2002. The average value of these animals was reported at AU$1,050, equivalent to €730.

For the first quarter of 2010, live exports have continued to rise, with numbers reaching a new record for the period, at over 220,000 head. Indonesia remains the primary market for these animals, taking over 65 per cent of exports to-date.

Shipments to other markets have also recorded strong increases, with Egypt, Libya, Israel and Jordan collectively accounting for over 20 per cent of exports. Some 13 per cent of cattle exported were high value breeding animals to Russia, China and Japan.