Chilean Beef Import Prices Rise
CHILE - Chilean beef imports during the period July to June in 2010-11 remained relatively stable, rising three per cent year-on-year to 128,658 tonnes swt (ODEPA).
13 July 2011
1 minute read
However, analysts at Meat and Livestock Australia say that shipments were influenced by a 35 per cent increase in import prices to $5,752/tonne as Chile's economy strengthened, the local peso continued to appreciate against the US dollar and imports from traditional South American markets remained relatively expensive due to tight supplies.
Although Paraguay was Chile's main supplier for the year, accounting for 54 per cent of the total, shipments from this country were down 10 per cent year-on-year to 69,595 tonnes swt.
However, Paraguayan product was the dearest at an average $5,917/tonne, MLA said.
Shipments from Brazil jumped 93 per cent year-on-year to 20,992 tonnes, at an average price of $5,612/tonne, as more plants were certified, while imports from Argentina dropped 43 per cent to 18,798 tonnes swt (at $5,637/tonne) as scarce supplies from Argentina were redirected to the local market.
Imports from Australia recovered during the period from 2008's peak, rising 360 per cent year-on-year to 7,884 tonnes swt, at an average price of $5,829/tonne.
MLA added that Australian product in Chile has been increasingly competitive during the current year against South American, sold both at retail and foodservice.
Similarly, the exceptionally weak US dollar has driven a 290 per cent rise in imports from the US to 1,625 tonnes swt, at an average price of $5,711/tonne.
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