Argentina’s Beef Consumption Falls
ARGENTINA - Beef consumption in Argentina has declined sharply over the past year, falling to 56.7kg/head - the result of much tighter beef supplies since December 2009 and soaring beef prices (up 164 per cent since October 2009).Argentina has traditionally been a high volume consumer of beef - consuming close to 70 kg/person per year for decades, with a preference for forequarter cuts from young light animals, reports Meat and Livestock Australia.
In contrast, loin and round cuts from heavy steers have been typically exported to higher priced markets such as the EU under Argentina's 28,000 tonne Hilton quota (not expected to be filled this year because of tight supplies).
Beef consumption in Argentina is also expected to remain constrained at least for a couple of years, as producers retain heifers to restock given the spike in cattle prices.
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