Brazil-Russian beef market dead.

BRAZIL-THE RUSSIA MARKET IS DEAD.

The Brazilian beef industry looks to be focusing its exports on the EU and Chile. The move comes as some of Brazil’s main export markets, such as the Middle East and Russia, increase their sales of cheaper protein sources like pork and poultry.

The Brazilian Beef Exporters Association (ABIEC) estimates that beef exports to Chile could reach 100,000 tonnes a year, after seven Brazilian states were recognised last week as foot and mouth disease (FMD) free by the Chilean government, in addition to the state of Rio Grande do Sul (previously the only state approved for the Chilean market since the FMD outbreaks in Brazil in 2005). Thenext step to regain market access is the release of the authorised plants by Chilean authorities. In 2008, Brazil shipped only 2,570 tonnes to this market in contrast to 104,300 tonnes in 2004.

Meanwhile, the EU is to release the results of the audit performed in February on Brazil’s cattle traceability system. ABIEC expects no drawbacks from the audit. With the list of approved farms increasing, the EU’s annual imports of Brazilian beef could increase to around 150,000 tonnes. Brazil’s exports to the EU in 2008 were 35,000 tonnes, down 89% from 305,000 tonnes in 2006.

The Brazilian beef industry looks to be focusing its exports on the EU and Chile. The move comes as some of Brazil’s main export markets, such as the Middle East and Russia, increase their sales of cheaper protein sources like pork and poultry.