December 23, 2009

Brazil's 2010 beef exports seen to increase

Brazilian beef exports are projected to total 2.2 million tonnes in 2010, up from 1.92 million tonnes this year.

There should be an increase of exports to the EU, North Africa, Chile and Hong Kong, which re-exports some of its purchases to China, said Roberto Gianetti, head of the exporters association Abiec.

Sales to Russia, which were severely hurt by the global financial crisis this year, are expected to remain subdued in 2010, he said. Brazil is the world's largest beef exporter but shipments and beef prices in 2009 were badly affected by the international credit crisis.

Brazil's beef exports in 2008 totalled 2.16 million tonnes.