November 24, 2005

EU-15 countries to up beef imports in 2006

The shortfall between EU-15 countries' beef production and consumption will remain significant in 2006 at about 350,000 tonnes, according to the latest EU Beef Forecasting Group figures.

As such, beef imports into these countries are expected to grow next year. For example, beef imports are likely to grow by 5 percent in Italy, 10 percent in France, 6 percent in Sweden, and 3 percent in Denmark, even as beef production continues to drop in these countries and others such as Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

Though Brazil is currently the world's no. 1 beef exporter, it has recently suffered 24 outbreaks of FMD in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul as of Nov 17, with nine suspected cases in the state of Parana.

About 50 countries, including the EU, have totally or partially banned imports of Brazilian beef and pork. Abattoir activity in Matto Grosso do Sul, the country's second major beef exporting state, had fallen by 76 percent since the FMD outbreak, the country's agriculture ministry said.