April 29, 2004

U.S. beef exports to fall 83% in 2004
 

Due to concerns over mad cow disease, a number of countries continue to ban shipments from the US. Thus US. beef exports this year will fall 83 percent below 2003 levels, Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman said on Wednesday.

In a testimony prepared for the House Agriculture Committee, Veneman said U.S. beef and live cattle exports were affected the most. Both items remain banned in the majority of the top 10 markets.

In 2003, U.S. beef exports totaled $3.9 billion, including variety and processed meats.