29 June 2011

1 minute read

Asia

However, total volumes over the five months to May remain three per cent below the same period last year, at 41,939 tonnes according to analysts at Meat and Livestock Australia.

They say that significantly lower imports during February this year, partly attributed to the disrupted supply of beef from Australia during January, resulted in lower overall beef imports.

During January to May 2011, beef imports from India decreased five per cent year-on-year, accounting for 42 per cent of the total Philippines' beef imports.

Imports of Brazilian beef also fell 31 per cent over the same period, as higher prices and the strong Brazilian domestic market limited export availability.

Brazilian beef's share of the Philippines import market decreased three percentage points, to eight per cent during the five months period.

Maintaining or gaining market share during the first five months of 2011 were Australia (23 per cent), New Zealand (14 per cent), the US (nine per cent) and the European Union (three per cent, mainly from the Netherlands and the UK).

Although rising oil prices have raised consumer concerns over utility bills, transportation and food cost in the Philippines, demand for imported red meat is expected to remain firm throughout the remainder of 2011.

TheCattleSite News Desk