US beef exporters target EU
American ranchers are eyeing the EU’s beef market. There’s an unprecedented opportunity for the export of US beef to the EU, according to John Brook, Europe director of the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
Already, US dairy exports are setting the pace on the world market, and dollar weakness is boosting export opportunities.
The absence of south American exporters adds to these opportunities.
In 2007, nearly two-thirds of EU beef imports came from Brazil, which sent 24,000 tonnes. But all Brazilian farms were de-listed by the European Commission in February. Since March 15, only 95 farms have been approved for export to the EU, compared to more than 3,000 previously.
USMEF predicts Brazil’s EU-eligible beef production will be severely limited for the rest of the year. Meanwhile, EU importers are questioning the reliability of beef suppliers in Argentina, where trade disruptions have driven prices to record levels.
USMEF also says the European Commission’s beef deficit forecast may understate consumption trends, as citizens in 12 member states admitted to the EU since 2004 are likely to increase beef consumption as their economies grow.
Already, the US has boosted its beef exports to the EU by 137% in 2007, totalling 7,961 tonnes.
Holland is their No 1 market.
More US beef factories are being approved for export to Europe.
But the bottle-neck for American ranchers is the shortage of EU-eligible cattle, which must come from the Non-hormone Treated Cattle (NHTC) Programme run by the US Department of Agriculture Quality Systems Assessment section.
