Peter Duggan, Strategic Information Services, Bord Bia - Irish Food Board

Imports of South American beef into the EU during the first quarter of this year recovered by 20% on corresponding 2012 levels to reach 60,500 tonnes. This reflects some depreciation in the Brazilian Real against the Euro, higher South American output and relatively tight availability across Europe. 

Total Brazilian beef exports are forecast to increase by 16% higher to 2.05 million tonnes during 2013, reflecting a strong increase in beef supplies. Shipments of beef to the EU-27 for the first quarter of 2013 were 37% higher than last year at 35,000 tonnes. However, shipments to the EU are still running well below peak levels seen in 2005 when they reached 95,000 tonnes in the first quarter.

Shipments of Uruguayan beef to the EU during the first quarter of 2013 are 30% higher at 14,000 tonnes. For the first quarter of 2013, total Uruguayan cattle supplies were 17% higher than 2012 at 582,000 head.

However, the growth in shipments from Brazil and Uruguay is being offset by lower shipments of Argentinean product. During the first quarter of 2013, exports were back by 18% on last year’s levels to almost 12,000 tonnes. Shipments are being hindered by government policy and the closure of many export plants. This is in contrast to 2005 when imports of Argentinian beef into the EU reached 31,000 tonnes during the first quarter.