BRAZILIAN live cattle exports registered further growth during the first ten months of 2013, up 19 per cent year-on-year, to 517,906 head (MDIC/SECEX), reports Meat and Livestock Australia.
Underpinning the rise was the continuous strong demand from Venezuela and a significant increase in shipments to Lebanon.
Venezuela remained the major destination for Brazilian live cattle, accounting for 69pc of total live exports, or 356,765 head for the January to October period.
Interestingly, shipments to Lebanon increased 70pc year-on-year, to 97,607 head, while in contrast, those to Turkey and Egypt declined 69pc and 25pc respectively, over the same period.
The Para state, in northern Brazil, was the major supplier for live cattle exports, loading on average 98pc of total exports. The state has a 20 million head herd and was recently recognized by MAPA (Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Supply) as free of foot and mouth disease (FMD), with vaccination, and expects OIE recognition in early 2014.
Steer prices steady
Brazilian steer prices remained steady during November, averaging, in Real terms (Sao Paulo state), R$ 3.61/kg lwt (approximately A$1.67/kg lwt), but still up 11.4pc year-on-year (Cepea/ESALQ).
The tight supply on cattle ready to slaughter, combined with high domestic and international demand helped buoy prices.
Brazilian beef shipments in November increased 25pc year-on-year, to 103,100 tonnes swt, with export prices averaging US$4.65/kg – the highest average price so far in 2013, despite the Real depreciation.
