November 30, 2006

China's beef exports registered a slight decline while imports fell significantly and there was an overall trade surplus.

China's livestock production maintained stable growth in the first three quarters. Meat prices improved compared with last year but remain unchanged from the second quarter.

Mutton exports increased and imports fell, narrowing the deficit. Trade value and volume in beef products and mutton products increased during the period.

China's cattle and lamb production continued its steady growth in the first three quarters of the year. Beef cattle numbered 143 million head, increasing 0.2 percent on-year, with 41 million slaughtered, increasing 5.7 percent on-year. Beef production was at 5.5 million tonnes, increasing 4.3 percent on year.

Sheep inventory was at 391 million, increasing 2.6 percent on-year. Slaughter was at 233 million, increasing 8.8 percent on-year. Mutton production was at 3.3 million tonnes, growing 8.6 percent on-year. As costs have remained stable, profits have increased for both beef and mutton production. 

From January to September, China's beef export totaled US$124 million, dropping 1.47 percent on-year. Beef import totaled US$35.5 million, down 57.09 percent from the same period of last year. Sheep export totaled US$40.67 million, a 10.02-percent increase from last year. Sheep import totaled US$41.03 million, a drop of 4.95 percent from last year.