October 7, 2011

Paraguay's beef exports suspended

A suspension of Paraguay's beef exports will continue till December because of a foot-and-mouth outbreak.

It has in recent years increased beef exports to the EU, with latest figures showing 6% on year increase in shipments of fresh and frozen product to almost 2,000 tonnes in the first six months of 2011.

There have been widespread reports of cattle from Paraguay continuing to cross the border into Brazil.

The suspension of exports could cost Paraguay's beef industry alone in excess of GBP257million (US$397 million). Beef accounts for 10% of Paraguay's economy.