Brazil ups beef exports to EU

BRAZIL has boosted processed beef exports to the EU by 8% in the first two months of 2007 compared to 2006.

Fresh beef shipments to the EU were at similar levels to 2005, but the South American country’s beef exports to Russia have jumped 67% this year.

Meanwhile, Argentina’s beef exports have fallen by 40%, due to the government limiting shipments to 70% of last year’s levels. Argentina faces a beef shortage which is blamed on suppliers being unwilling to sell at government-imposed prices. Some farmers are also beginning to switch to soya bean production, which has become more lucrative due to the ongoing governmental controls on the beef market.