March 2, 2007

US beef and live cattle exports up in 2006
 

US beef exports increased 69 percent in 2006, to 352,700 tonnes, according to figures released by Global Trade Information Service (GTIS) (European Market Survey). Much of the increase in shipments for the year came from a jump in volumes to Mexico and Canada, while exports to both Japan and Korea continue to face restrictions.

According to GTIS figures, US shipments for 2006 to Mexico jumped 42 percent on 2005 levels, to 215,300 tonnes, with increased beef demand driven by a strong Mexican economy. Exports to Canada for the year totalled 67,900 tonnes, up from 25,300 tonnes in 2005, while ongoing trade restrictions saw only 12,300 tonnes of US beef sent to Japan during 2006.

US live cattle exports for 2006 totalled 49,600 head, with the majority of cattle sent to Canada (36,800 head). Exports for the year were also a record to Indonesia (7,100 head), Saudi Arabia (3,500 head), Thailand (700 head) and Mexico (700 head).