April 8, 2014
Global beef industry prospects to remain positive till Q2 2014
The global beef industry will continue its strong market fundamentals till the second quarter of 2014 with strong global demand led by the Chinese market, as forecast by Rabobank in its new published report.
In the report, Rabobank's Food & Agribusiness Research team says that beef market fundamentals remain positive, with prices driven up across the globe in first quarter 2014 by firm demand as well as further tightening supply due to drought-induced herd retention in the US and adverse weather conditions in Brazil and Australia - the three main beef exporters. Combined with fluctuating exchange rates, these events have impacted competitive positions in export markets, with Brazil and Australia gaining export share in first quarter at the expense of the US.
The bank says that, on the demand side, beef demand growth will continue to come mainly from China. Although 2014 imports in China are not expected to reach the growth levels experienced in 2013, they will grow as Chinese farmers take little interest in government-supported production expansion and strong profits, and the market opening for Australian chilled fresh beef products. Chinese market opening to Brazilian beef may happen imminently.
"Prospects for the global beef industry remains positive in second quarter, with further possible upside due to continuing pressured beef supply and scarce supply of competing proteins which will continue to impact competitive positions," explained Rabobank analyst Albert Vernooij. "Brazilian cattle prices and exports have surged to record levels, and Australian droughts have encouraged historically high slaughter levels to meet global demand."
Volatility was the biggest factor impacting the US cattle complex in first quarter 2014. The impact on the hog market due to the rapid spread of porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDv) will be the wildcard in the coming months. The shortage in hog slaughter could have a significant impact on total meat supplies, strengthening beef demand during the spring grilling season and into summer.
In Australia, poor climate conditions are keeping slaughter levels historically high, but strong international demand has supported record boxed beef exports in first quarter. The latest seasonal outlook predicts a drier-than-normal period for Queensland and northern New South Wales (NSW) and a continued high flow of cattle to markets is expected.
Expected continued strong demand, both domestic and export, will result in firm cattle prices in Brazil in second quarter 2014 and likely beyond, even in periods of strong supply. Domestic demand is likely to increase on the back of the World Cup and presidential elections, while exports will be driven by the continued depreciation of the US dollar.
In New Zealand, export prospects are positive with strong demand likely from the US and China. However, the relatively high New Zealand dollar continues to put downward pressure on returns, eroding international competitiveness.
The long and extreme winter has been taxing, forcing increased feed usage in Canada. This escalation, in conjunction with cattle shipments to the US, means Canada is rapidly going through their available cattle supply with limited interest in herd expansion.
Meanwhile, Argentina's exports are expected to remain low as government limitations on export markets continue, with the aim of keeping domestic meat prices low.
For China, ongoing shortages in the domestic market will continue to support rising imports of frozen beef, with Australia remaining the biggest supplier accounting for 53% of total import volume in 2013.
Mexico's beef sector will continue operating under tight margins into second quarter 2014 as beef and cattle prices remain high and lacklustre consumption continues.
With EU markets more or less in equilibrium, beef prices are expected to hold firm at their current levels. Supply of cattle will remain stable while import growth will continue its steady increase of about 10%.
