August 25, 2011

Mexican beef exports rise twofold

Mexico's beef exports amounted to 59,026 tonnes in the January-July period, almost double the 29,645 tonnes exported on-year, the National Food Health, Safety and Quality Service (Senasica) said.

The figure was the equivalent of 99.1% of the exports registered during the first seven months of last year, and it means that Mexico nearly matched its total 2010 beef exports of 60,096 tonnes in the seven-month period, the Senasica said.

Mexico has 391 certified producers who have been authorised by the government to export their products.

Mexican beef is sold to South Korea, the US, Canada, Japan, Russia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Angola, Panama, Puerto Rico and Costa Rica.

Ranching, which accounted for 33% of Mexico's agricultural gross domestic product in 2010, employs about 61,400 people.

Beef cattle are raised on about 55% of Mexico's territory, the Agriculture Secretariat said.