April 25, 2013

 

Paraguay beef exports rise during Q1 2013

 
 

Paraguay's beef exports have recovered in late 2012 and continue to grow in the first quarter of 2013 after an outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) disrupted shipping during the period of late 2011 to early 2012.

 

For the first three months of 2013, shipments increased 43.7% on-year, totalling 47,375 tonnes - with larger volumes to Russia offsetting a decrease in shipments to Chile.

 

In the first three months of 2013, exports to Russia increased 26% on-year, to 32,549 tonnes.  Although Paraguayan cattle prices had increased during the quarter, average exports price were still reportedly below those of other suppliers, improving the competitiveness of Paraguayan beef in the Russian market - which accounted for 69% of total exports for the same period.

 

Chile, previously a major market for Paraguayan beef, re-opened their market in December 2012. However, trade is slow, with volumes well below those in 2011. Exports during the first quarter of 2013 totalled 1,356 tonnes.

 

The latest USDA report forecasts Paraguayan beef production to increase to 465,000 tonnes in 2013, while exports are expected to also increase 10%, to 275,000 tonnes - particularly driven by larger shipments to Russia.

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