March 30, 2007

EU beef exports decline in 2006
 

Beef exports by the European Union (EU) totalled to 289,279 tonnes cwt (hundredweight) in 2006, down 22 percent on 2005 levels, according to figures shown by the European Market Survey.

Total chilled and frozen beef exports for 2006 decreased by 16 percent, to 160,454 tonnes cwt, while live cattle shipments fell to 41,867 tonnes cwt. Offal exports have also declined by 48,592 tonnes cwt and fat, 9,671 tonnes cwt last year.

Exports to Lebanon, traditionally the largest market for EU live cattle, fell sharply in 2006 to 2,500 tonnes cwt, with increasing numbers of cattle being sourced from Brazil. Brazil has doubled its exports of cattle to 245,000 head in 2006.

EU beef and beef products exports to Russia during 2006 totalled 145,000 tonnes cwt, a 4 percent increase on year ago levels, with increased shipments of chilled and frozen beef, offal and live cattle.

Brazil's beef exports to Russia are seen to be reduced this year as the country intends to suspend Brazilian beef imports due to foot-and-mouth-disease concerns.

The ban could result in increased EU exports to Russia and other traditional markets.