January 25, 2013
Brazil's 2012 live cattle exports up 26% on-year
Following the lowest numbers shipped since 2007, Brazil's live cattle exports in 2012 reached 512,236 head, up 26% on-year - a substantial recovery from 2011.
Underpinning the rise in exports in 2012 was a jump in shipments to Venezuela, up 16% on-year, to 371,003 head and larger exports to Turkey (43,855 head) and Egypt (16,834 head).
Brazilian live cattle exports were heavily impacted in 2011 by the depreciation of the Venezuelan currency (BolÃvar), which is the major destination for Brazilian live cattle, and accounted for 79% of total exports in 2011, and 72% in 2012.
The Para state has the major port responsible for live cattle shipments, loading on average 95% of the total numbers. For 2013, live exports are forecast to increase 15% on-year, to 590,000 head (USDA).
