Exports of Brazilian beef decrease for first time in a decade

BRAZILIAN beef exports declined in 2008 for the first time in a decade, having increased tenfold over that period to peak at 2.49 million tonnes in 2007.

Board Bia meat division manager Gerard Brickley reports that a further, albeit modest, reduction in exports is forecast for 2009 to an estimated 2.08 million tonnes.

The turnaround is due to changes in both production and consumption within Brazil.