September 3, 2012

Chile's beef demand to rise during September's National Day Celebrations

Chile's beef demand is expected to rise during the National Day Celebrations in September.

In 2011, from July to September, beef imports increased 26%, compared with the June quarter of the same year.

In 2012, Brazil became the largest beef supplier in Chile. From January to June, exports increased 258%, to 28,486 tonnes, followed by Argentina up 63% to 12,698 tonnes and Australia up 107%, to 8,927 tonnes.

Shipments from Australia to Chile, during the first six months of 2012, were the highest on record, totalling 8,927 tonne. The main cuts exported were thick flank/knuckle, topside/inside, silverside/outside and chuck roll.

The Chilean economy is expected to continue registering increased incomes and consumption levels. An expanding middle class is also expected to increase demand for higher value food items such as beef.