January 2, 2013

Brazil's beef industry is expected to conclude 2012 with record export sales of US$5.8 billion, a rise from US$5.37 billion in 2011, according to the annual sales data from Abiec.

Beef exports by volume should reach 1.26 million tonnes for the year by month's end, up 14.5% from last year.

The export revenue figure could have been higher this year, but the macroeconomic recession in many export markets caused a slight decrease in the average price of Brazil's beef exports, Abiec said. With the data available through mid-December, Brazil should retake its position as the world's largest beef exporter for 2012. The US passed Brazil last year in volume exported.

Looking to 2013, Abiec said that despite six export markets banning Brazilian beef in recent weeks because of BSE concerns, the most important markets remain open, and exports have been growing steadily in those markets.

Those six markets together accounted for 4.42% of Brazil's total beef exports through November.

The most important markets for Brazilian beef to have reverse their recent import bans are China and Saudi Arabia.