May 4, 2007

US has lower beef imports in Q1

US beef imports in the first quarter of this year have fallen 7 percent from year ago levels as imports have been particularly low from Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay.

Major US beef suppliers Australia and New Zealand have been shifting its sights to other markets due to more attractive prices in alternate markets and weakening US dollar currency which are impacting exporter returns and shipment levels.

After huge exports in 2006, Uruguay's beef exports to all markets have fallen over the first quarter of 2007 due to reduced cattle supplies as the herd starts rebuilding following its four consecutive years of higher slaughter levels. According to the World Beef Report, Uruguayan cattle slaughter in the first quarter of 2007 was 8 percent lower than the same time in 2006.

In contrast, US imports have risen from Mexico and from countries in Central America.