November 16, 2012

Brazil sees 5% rise for cattle slaughter on-year

Brazil's cattle slaughter rise 5% on-year for the ten months to the end of October, at 19,086 million head.

The most significant rise for the period was registered in Mato Grosso state. For the three months between July and September, total cattle slaughter in Mato Grosso jumped 7.3% on-year, to 1.417 million head, with female slaughter rising 5%, to 605,000 head.

The competitive position of Brazilian product in the global market has improved significantly in recent months, largely due to the weaker currency, with the Brazilian real down 16% on-year at the end of October. During October, Brazil exported 100,600 tonnes of beef - the highest monthly volume since July 2010.

Brazilian beef exports to Egypt during October increased 32% on-year, to 15,411 tonnes, followed by a 46% surge to Iran, reaching 13,335 tonnes. For the same period exports to Venezuela increased 36%, to 10,404 tonnes. Like Australia, Brazil has also registered a significant increase in exports to China in recent months, jumping 114% on-year during October, to 4,986 tonnes.