August 28, 2013

EU beef imports rise 5% in 2012-13

Australian exports to the EU totalled 17,533 tonnes shipped weight in 2012-13, the highest level since 1997-98, giving Australia a 9% share of the imported beef market.

Brazil was the largest supplier of imported beef to the EU in 2012-13 with 58,788 tonnes shipped weight, a market share of 31%. The figure represents a growth of 19% on-year and the highest level of imports from Brazil since the 2008 restrictions were put in place on Brazilian beef.

Imports from Uruguay were also higher, up 9% at 40,439 tonnes shipped weight, cementing Uruguay as the second largest supplier of imported beef to the EU, with market share of 22%.

Looking at the chilled imported beef market, Australia had a higher percentage of the market share at 13% in 2012-13.

The largest supplier of chilled beef to the EU in 2012-13 was Argentina with 31,436 tonnes shipped weight and 28% of market share, followed by Brazil with 19%, Uruguay with 17% and the US with 15%.