June 8, 2013

Chile's beef imports rise 27% on-year

During January to April 2013, Chilean beef imports increased 27% on-year, to 47,145 tonnes swt, with imports from Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and the US on the rise.

According to ODEPA (Agriculture Department - Chile), in contrast, Paraguayan beef into the Chilean market has been slow, while Australian shipments decreased on-year.

Brazilian beef shipments to Chile during the first four months of 2013 rose 39% on-year, to 25,085 tonnes swt, followed by Argentina (up 20%, to 10,324 tonnes swt) and Uruguay (up 26%, to 5,240 tonnes swt). US beef shipments continue to increase, up 43% for January to April, at 3,283 tonnes swt, with the majority of the competitively priced beef in chilled form (Chilean preference).

Paraguayan beef exports to Chile have been very slow, at 1,799 tonnes swt, compared to 18,748 tonnes swt during the same period in 2011. Australian shipments to Chile for the first four months of 2013 dropped 65% on-year, to 1,413 tonnes swt.

However, the recent decision by the Chilean government to suspend exports to the EU, due to EU traceability requirements, should boost the beef supply in the domestic market and most likely impact demand for imported beef.