Meat ban on imports will force beef prices upwards

EU beef prices are likely to rise as a foot and mouth ban already on meat from three Brazilian states is extended to Argentina.

The widening ban on South American beef will leave the EU’s deficit of 400,000 tonnes between domestic production and consumer demand setting a trend of rising prices.

Imports of beef slaughtered after February 4, from the disease hit Argentinian province of Corrientes and six neighbouring regions, are likely to be banned. Russia, which takes 20% of Argentina’s beef exports, is likely to follow suit.