Brazilian Beef Exports Stable In 2009-10
BRAZIL - Brazil maintained its position as the world largest beef exporter during the past 12 months (July 2009 - June 2010) with exports increasing 0.3 per cent on the previous year, to 958,034 tonnes swt.
16 July 2010
2 minute read
Russia remained Brazil's main export destination during the period, despite shipments contracting 11 per cent on the previous year, to 304,106 tonnes swt. Low prices in the Russian market, combined with constrained demand from local importers after the global financial crisis, encouraged Brazilian exporters to look towards other markets including the Middle East and South-East Asia.
Iran became Brazil's second largest market in 2009-10, with volumes jumping 97 per cent year-on-year, to 159,175 tonnes swt, followed by Hong Kong (up 23 per cent, to 98,900 tonnes swt) and Egypt (down 14 per cent, to 67,510 tonnes swt).
While easily maintaining its position as Brazil most lucrative market (on a per tonne basis), exports to the European Union continue to remain well below the record volume shipped in 2005-06, at 290,908 tonnees swt. With restrictions in place since February 2008, triggered by traceability and food safety concerns, Brazilian beef exports to the EU in 2009-10 reached 47,082 tonnes swt, which was an increase of 76 per cent on the very low 2008-09 total.
Average Brazilian beef exports prices (FOB) for the year increased one per cent, to US$3,659/tonne year-on-year, as the Brazilian real appreciated 16 per cent, to average 56US¢ in 2009-10. In local currency terms, average steer prices declined eight per cent.
The Brazilian Beef Exporters Association expects exports to increase in 2010, when compared to 2009, although remaining below the 1.023 million tonnes swt shipped in 2008 and the record 1,286 tonnes swt shipped in 2007.
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