June 6, 2008

Argentina's beef exports decline 50 percent in April
  
   

Argentina's exports of unprocessed beef declined 50 percent to 10,084 tonnes in April compared with the previous month, and 52 percent year-on-year, Met & Livestock Australia reported.

The drop was due to the export restrictions imposed by the government, which ensures the supply of beef in the local market.

Hilton cut exports were the most affected by the restrictions, decreasing 58 percent from the same period last year, while non-Hilton cut exports declined 51 percent.

This was the lowest monthly export volume after May 2006.

Half of total Hilton cut shipments were absorbed by Germany. The Netherlands and Italy received 23 and 17 percent, respectively.

Russia was still the main market for non-Hilton unprocessed beef exports, reaching 27,800 tonnes swt over January to April and comprising 36 percent of the total.