March 31, 2010
 

Argentinean beef exports to remain halted

Argentinean beef exports will remain blocked by customs during the coming week, as supply in the country gets tight, according to the Secretary for Domestic Trade (SCI).

However, the SCI has released a small number of the recently implemented pre-authorisations needed to apply for export certificates. These have been granted to meatpackers who supply retailers with half carcases at discounted prices, reported Infocampo.

Industry workers have protested to the SCI for the job slump due to the export halt – the segment of the industry which utilises the most labour. Meatpackers are guaranteeing a monthly salary of around ARS$230 (US$59.38), while in a normal working period, wages average around ARS$570 (US$147.15).

Meanwhile, SCI agents continue to monitor the government's suggested price list among supermarkets and butchers, which includes high demand beef cuts such as short ribs, roast beef, thin flank, chuck and blade, diced beef, knuckle, rump and skirt.

The government's new retail price control strategy comes as a result of the inability to regulate livestock prices, given the extremely tight supplies.