Meat exports forecast to rise, keeping supply stable
US - The global trade in beef, pork and poultry by major exporters is forecast to reach record levels again in 2006, ensuring a steady supply, according to a forecast report.The growth in the major markets will occur despite the disruptions caused by continued disease outbreaks and the resulting trade restrictions, the US agriculture department (USDA) said in its report on world markets for livestock and poultry.
Though there was a slight fall off in global production of beef and poultry in 2003, the global trade in all meats has steadily increased since 2001. This despite the disruptions in supply due to safety restrictions. Other exporting countries have managed to fill the gaps in the increasing demand by raising production levels, the USDA stated.
Major exporters' pork prices will continue to increase, as they have in the last two years. Exports have mushroomed in the wake of consumers shifting their animal protein consumption, the department stated.
Meanwhile beef demand and prices have been affected by safety concerns and the related trade measures. Demand for poultry continues to rise despite the food safety problems, with prices also falling as the major traders step up production, the USDA stated.
The food safety problems include outbreaks of avian influenza in Asia and Russia, foot and mouth disease in Brazil, as well as trade restrictions on US and Canadian beef due to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).
Source: FoodProductionDaily
22 November 2005
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