November 29, 2010

South American live cattle exports rise

South American cattle rose 18% year-on-year to 858,499 head, driven by a 31% increase in Brazilian shipments during the first 10 months of 2010.

Although exports from Brazil increased significantly during that period of time to 552,554 head, 92% of total exports were directed to Venezuela. Venezuela has markedly increased beef and live cattle imports in recent years as local supplies contract due to government intervention and nationalisation. Exports to Lebanon decreased 76% on-year to 27,627 head, while exports to Egypt rose 15% to 9,457 head.

Uruguayan exports increased slightly over the period, rising 1% to 305,054 head. Lebanon was Uruguay's main market, taking 61% of total shipments, followed by Turkey (24%), Jordan (5%), and Syria (4%).

Meanwhile, live shipments from Argentina continued to be insignificant, down 52% to only 891 head. Cattle exports from Argentina are composed of breeding cattle, mainly directed to Paraguay (66%), Bolivia (18%), Brazil (15%), and Colombia (1%).