March 8, 2013

Argentina's beef exports have increased 14% on-year at the start of 2013, with January shipments reaching 10,538 tonnes.

Chile and Israel are the major export destinations.

However, while exports were up on-year, they still remain well below historical levels, constrained by the lower Argentinean cattle herd and beef production.

Beef exports in January registered a strong increase in fresh, non-Hilton cuts, rising 22% on-year, to 8,076 tonnes. In contrast, the volume of Hilton cuts exported declined 7%, to 1,824 tonnes, which will make it difficult for Argentina to fulfil their EU quota for 2012-13.

Shipments to Chile continued to rise, with exports for January up 23% on-year, to 2,264 tonnes. Shipments also surged by 52% to Israel, reaching 2,251 tonnes and Russia, up 90%, to 1,133 tonnes. Russia also reportedly increased imports from Brazil and Paraguay during the first month of 2013.