May 25, 2010

 

 

EU's opening of a new, zero-duty quota for high-quality beef has expanded opportunities for US beef producers and suppliers.

 

The quota, which came into force in August, allows for 20,000 tonnes of high-quality beef at an in-quota tariff of zero. This is in addition to the existing 11,500-tonne quota that carries a tariff of 20%.

 

EU import license allocations for US beef during the first quarter of 2010 totalled 2,525 tonnes, an increase of 125% over allocations made last year under the old quota. EU import data for January 2010 show a 58% increase in imports from the US, with the US share of the EU's chilled beef imports rising from 7% last year to 9% in 2010.

 

Beef exported under the new quota must be derived from non-hormone-treated cattle (NHTC) that are less than 30 months of age. They must be on feed for at least 100 days with minimum energy and intake requirements, and carcasses must be quality graded.

 

US beef is beginning to gain some retail traction in Europe. Recent US Meat Export Federation promotions in selected locations have established steady volume growth for US beef sales and attracted attention from competing stores. US beef is now available in Italy at 15 hypermarket and 10 supermarket locations operated by Carrefour Italia, and at 20 Pelicano supermarkets. It is also available in Luxembourg at one hypermarket location.