December 8, 2005

Brazil's beef exports down 8 percent in November

Revenue from Brazil's fresh beef exports dropped 8 percent in November compared to the same period last year due to commercial embargoes on Brazilian beef due to FMD in Mato Grosso do Sul, the Agriculture Ministry said Wednesday.

Nevertheless, high international prices for November, at US$2,413/tonne, helped push export value higher than October, when the beef bans began. November exports were worth US$170 million, compared with US$154 million in October, the ministry said in a report. In November 2004, exports totalled US$184 million, 8 percent more than this year.

Fifty-two nations have either partially or fully suspended exports of Brazilian beef.

The Agriculture Ministry said significant trading partners Chile, Iran and South Africa, took US$27.8 million out of November sales totals compared with last month because of the embargo. Chile is a prime market for Brazilian beef.

Iran chose not to buy Brazilian beef, but no official ban has been made.

Brazil is expected to end the year exporting roughly US$2.8 billion, down from previous projections of US$3 billion. Brazil is the world's no. 1 beef exporter.