South Americans can't keep up with world beef demand

MARKET trends have taken South American beef export prices to their highest level since February of 1999.

The price hike, and a number of supply difficulties, are likely to prevent an increasing presence for South American beef in the EU market.

The reverse may be more likely, with only Brazil capable of promptly meeting the increase in world demand for beef, but Brazil's monthly exports slumped from 229,000 tons last August to 142,500 tons in November. This compared to 175,800 tons in November, 2004.