Brazil expects its EU beef sales to rise 10%

BRAZIL’S Association of Exporters of Beef (ABIEC) has predicted sales to the European Union rising to between 200,000 and 300,000 tonnes this year, compared to 150,000 tonnes in 2009.

In 2007, Brazil sent 280,000 tonnes of beef and beef products to the EU, almost half of the Eu’s total beef imports, including 194,000 tonnes of raw beef — a trade which was greatly restricted by the EU in 2008.

ABIEC president, Roberto Giannetti da Fonseca, said beef exports are expected to recover 20% in value, and 10% in volume, after 2009 difficulties caused by the international financial crisis.

Increased sales are expected to Chile, China, North Africa and the EU.