July 1, 2004

Hungary Opens Market To Fresh Beef From Argentina
 
Hungary has opened its doors to fresh beef from Argentina, the South American nation's animal and vegetable health service, Senasa, said in a statement Wednesday.
 
Hungary's move comes about two months after it became a member of the European Union, which sets key trade guidelines for members. Beef exports to Hungary must now comply with E.U. sanitary and trade rules.
 
In 2003, Hungary imported around 18,000 metric tons of animal and vegetable products from Argentina for a total of $9 million, according to Senasa.
 
Argentina ships its beef to around 70 countries. Still, major markets such as those in North America and Japan remain closed to Argentine fresh beef because of concern about an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease here last year.
 
Argentina is the world's No. 8 beef exporter.