Brazil defies restrictions to boost exports

- Published: 12 May, 2006

TRADE figures for the first quarter of 2006 suggest that Brazilian beef exports are still growing despite export restrictions imposed on several states following outbreaks of foot and mouth disease.

Total exports for the first three months were 246,000 tonnes, an increase of 17% on the first quarter last year.

Almost 90% of exports were frozen beef, significantly more than last year, with the quantity of beef exported as fresh product down by nearly half.

The main growth area has been Russia. The EU is the second largest destination for Brazilian beef and demand remains strong. The EU is considered to be among Brazil's most profitable outlets.

Brazil trade shows that within the EU there has been a growth in exports to the UK, compared with January to March last year.