EU imports of beef increase sharply in 2003

EU imports of beef, paying full tariffs and duties, to member states increased sharply during the second half of 2003, as non-EU producers intensify marketing at very competitive prices.

In the July-December 2003 period which represented the first six months of the current GATT year which began on July, 2003 marked a doubling of beef imports paying full tariffs and duties when compared to the same period of the previous year.

Ireland imported an additional 14% of beef tonnage at full tariff and duty, while the biggest volume increases were in sales into Germany and The Netherlands.