January 5, 2010

Brazilian beef exports to increase substantially

Beef exports revenue is expected to rise 20% as the world recovers from the international financial crisis.

Total beef exports will reach 1.9 million tonnes at a value of US$4.12 billion, said Robert Giannetti da Fonseca, president of the Brazilian Association of Exporters of Beef (Abiec).

Total volumes in 2009 dropped by 11% on-year, while value decreased by 22.6% from the previous year. Beef export volume this year is expected to increase 10%, said Abiec.

Much of the recovery in exports will come from increased sales to Chile, China, North Africa and the EU. The markets in Chile and Hong Kong were most affected by the financial crisis as well as declining markets to Russia. Abiec sees sales to the EU rising to between 200,000 and 300,000 tonnes in 2010 compared to 150,000 tonnes in 2009.