Argentina beef market recovers
Exports to the EU in 2002 of chilled and frozen beef were up almost eight-fold on the previous year at a total of 72,000 tonnes compared to 9,000 in 2001 according to the latest trade statistics available from Argentina.
Bord Bia says the devaluation of the Argentinian peso at the beginning of 2002 boosted exports giving beef from Argentina the competitive edge on global markets.
In addition to the chilled and frozen sales they also exported a further 66,500 tonnes of processed beef into the market. Following the re-opening of the EU market to Argentina exports showed an immediate sharp increase.
The largest sales were to Germany at 25,800 tonnes compared to 3,500 tonnes in 2001 with Britain taking in 21,000 tonnes compared to 1,000 tonnes, while other EU member states purchased 25,000 tonnes.
There are no specific figures available for sales into Ireland, but most recent information suggest Argentine’s beef has been much more widely used in this country in the catering trade over the past year.
The Argentines are also making an impact in Egypt.
The increase in sales to Britain has implications for Irish sales due to competitive pricing and together with Brazil it is now taking a significant slice of the British market.
Last year’s sales of Argentine beef to Britain was the equivalent of more than 100,000 cattle.
These are supply sources which have to be factored into the equation when reckoning the extent to which Irish beef supplies can benefit from the shortfall in British production for the rest of this year.
Martin Ryan
