US to take more South American beef
Currently, Brazil exports only processed meat and offal to the US.
Following long-running negotiations dating to 1999, the US government has decided to allow imports of chilled and frozen beef from Brazil. Shipments will be delayed until later this year, pending beef plant certifications expected by August.
The US “other countries” quota utilisation is filling 17% faster than last year, having reached more than 26,000 tonnes, mostly driven by higher shipments from Nicaragua and Costa Rica. The quota is also used by Ireland and some Central American countries — and will now be shared with Brazil.
There are currently 14 Brazilian states listed to supply chilled and frozen beef to the US. All have FMD (Foot and Mouth Disease)-free with vaccination status and are major beef producing regions.
Brazilian beef exports during the first five months declined 20% year-on-year, largely due to reduced imports by Russia, Hong Kong and Venezuela. The average beef export price fell 6.5% year-on-year, to $4.22/kg.
The US Department of Agriculture has also announced their market is opening for fresh (chilled or frozen) beef from Northern Argentina, under specific conditions to minimise FMD risk. The US has not had FMD since 1929.
