30 October 2007

1 minute read

Exports are the key to the prosperity of the Brazilian beef industry and the latest figures from the country's foreign trade secretariat reveal that in the first nine months of this year just over one million tonnes were shipped to a range of markets all over the world. This represents an increase of 114,000 tonnes on the first three quarters of 2006.

However, exports to the 27 nations of the expanded European Union in the same period declined from 244,100 tonnes to 152,300 tonnes, or almost 40 per cent.

It is difficult to gauge the precise reason for such a pronounced decline in trade with the EU.

One possibility is that major customers in Europe are concerned that a ban might be imposed in imports from Brazil unless it cleans up its act on controls of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and cattle traceability - issues that have been highlighted in recent months by several EU member states, most notably the Republic of Ireland.

There are exceptions to the trend: beef exports from Brazil to Italy have increased from 37,100 tonnes to 42,200 tonnes; the Netherlands has stepped up its trade from 33,200 tonnes to 39,600 tonnes; and business with Germany has risen from 12,800 tonnes to 14,700 tonnes.

Source: Scotsman