Argentinean Beef Exports Production Increase
ARGENTINA - Argentinean beef exports during the first half of 2013 increased 11 per cent year-on-year, to 66,333 tonnes, driven by higher demand from Chile, Russia, China and Morocco according to data from IPCVA.Analysts at Meat and Livestock Australia said that cattle slaughter also increased for the period, with beef production up 9.4 per cent year-on-year, totalling 1.37 million cwe.
The significant depreciation (14 per cent year-on-year) of the Argentinean peso, averaging 19US¢ for the first half of 2013, combined with stronger international demand, helped Argentinean beef exports recover year-on-year.
However, volumes are significantly below those shipped over the same period in 2008-09.
Chile became the major destination for Argentinean beef, with exports for the first six months of 2013 up 16 per cent year-on-year, to 14,683 tonnes, followed by Russia, with exports up 17 per cent, to 6,456 tonnes.
Shipments to China and Morocco also surged, totalling 3,312 tonnes and 3,475 tonnes, respectively.
While beef exports increased, so did domestic consumption, which accounted for 93 per cent of total production, with per capita consumption up 7.7 per cent year-on-year, averaging 61.1 kg/person, MLA said.
Argentinean cattle slaughter increased 12 per cent year-on-year, to 6.18 million head, driven by a continued increase in female slaughter, which accounted for 42.4 per cent (2.6 per cent above last year).
According to CICCRA, female retention has eased, and in the near future stock liquidation could possibly recommence.
TheCattleSite News Desk