Argentina delays export licenses

ARGENTINA - According to the Brazilian Meat Monitor (BMM), the Argentine government is delaying the issuance of beef export licences as a way to indirectly limit beef exports. The government continues to struggle against rising domestic beef prices with prices increasing 1.4% in January compared with the month before and by over 5% compared to January 2006.

15 February 2007

1 minute read

South America

Exporters are complaining that the government has delayed the granting of licences for up to two weeks, when they are normally issued within 48 to 72 hours. The delays have prevented meat from being exported with more than 50,000 tonnes of beef ready for shipment left packed in cold stores awaiting authorisation.

Limitations on exports and prices have seen production and investment collapse in Argentina, according to the BMM. Argentine cattle ranchers reduced investments by US$300 million in 2006, down 33% on 2005, and production fell to 3.13 million tonnes, down 3% on 2005.

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