April 14, 2005

Diseases change beef exporters'ranking

Animal disease such as mad cow disease (BSE) and foot and mouth disease (FMD) have reshuffled global beef trading patterns in the last few years.

Due to BSE-related import restrictions on US beef, the United States fell to no.9 as a global beef exporter in 2004 and would remain in that position in 2005. However, despite having three cases of BSE, Canada is expected to export a record amount of beef in 2005 because of continued strong exports to the US and Mexico.

Foot and mouth disease related restrictions placed on South American countries such as Argentina and Brazil have also limited exports.

Combined consumption in major beef importing countries is forecast to increase by just under 2 percent in 2005 to 50.4 million tonnes. The US with the largest total beef consumption in the world, is projected to increase consumption by 4 percent in 2005.

Japan's ban on US beef imports has proved beneficial to Australian beef exports which rose 5 percent in March from the previous month. Exports to Japan jumped 32 percent to 39,100 tonnes as the beef industry tries to fill the void created by the ban on US beef.