February 10, 2004

Brazil and Argentina Vie For Asian Beef Market

Both Brazil and Argentina are targeting the lucrative Asian beef market following a ban on beef imports from the United States. 

A Brazilian delegation has recently visited Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. 

Following this visit, a Japanese mission is expected to travel to Brazil to discuss prospects of importing processed beef, fruit and eggs.

An Argentine delegation is also planning a visit later this month to Asia (including Japan), Russia and Egypt to promote Argentinian beef.  The mission will consist of government officials and industry representatives.

Given the foot and mouth disease status in both Brazil and Argentina, it is likely that discussions will revolve around processed beef rather than unprocessed beef.