August 30, 2007

Paraguay beef exports down in 1H

Paraguay's beef exports slid 28 percent during the first half of 2007 compared with the same period in 2006 due to decreased exports to Russia. Shipments in the first half of 2007 were 55 percent lower than in 2006 and mainly frozen, totalling 25,687 tonnes. Russia remains Paraguay's main export destination.

Total frozen exports were down 40 percent in contrast to chilled exports which was up by 10 percent due to export increase to Chile. Although volumes have decreased, average values rose 7 percent to US$2,578, driven by an 11 percent increase in chilled beef exports. Still, average prices are decreasing from the US$2,979 per tonne peak in November 2006 due to high export prices in Russia.

Paraguay is also expected to launch a National Beef Plan in September, which aims to improve production efficiencies to increase export and domestic supply.