December 09, 2003

Significant Rise in South American Beef Exports To EU Market

A significant rise in South American beef exports is the primary reason for an increase in EU beef imports in the calendar year to June. 

An article released this week by the UK's Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC), indicates that total EU beef imports in the first half of 2003 increased 9% on the first half of 2002, to 136,800 tons.

EU beef imports from South America began to increase in 2002 after trade embargoes imposed following outbreaks of FMD (Foot-and-Mouth Disease), were lifted for Brazilian, Argentine and Uruguayan beef. 

In the first six months of 2003, imports from these countries, accounted for 79% of total EU beef imports and had increased by 4% from the first half of 2002.  Most of the increases in volume this year were from chilled rather than frozen beef imports.

Although a relatively small market for Australian beef in terms of volume, the EU still represents a significant market in value terms, with chilled beef accounting for approximately 95% of Australia's exports to the EU.  Imports of Australian beef in the first half of 2003 were 21% lower than in 2002.