Beef Supply Remains Tight as Anticipated
EU - The 2012 cattle slaughter is revised downward 400,000 head from the forecast in the Annual Report.
6 March 2013
1 minute read
The lower slaughter is mainly a result of the scarcity of animals, which effect has been underestimated in the Annual Report.
In line with the revised slaughter numbers, beef production is expected to have been lower in 2012 than previously forecast.
The continuing contraction of the cattle herd and limited domestic supply of beef on the market made the EU a net importer of beef in 2012, as it was in 2003-2010.
In 2013, EU beef supply is expected to remain tight, which could further attract imports from primarily Brazil and the United States.
Opportunities for beef exports to the EU
On 25 February 2013, the EC approved lactic acid as a pathogen reduction treatment (PRT) for beef.
This measure will facilitate US beef exports under the High Quality Beef (HQB) quota.
In August 2012, the HQB quota increased from 20,000 MT to 48,200 MT.
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