Abrafrigo projects 150,000 tons of beef exports to Russia this year

Brazil’s Slaughterhouse Association, Abrafrigo, estimates exports of around 150,000 tons of fresh and processed beef to Russia this year. According to the association, exports should return to normal following the effects of the Russian embargo which was imposed on Brazilian beef and pork at the end of 2017. The association is optimistic following the export of 3,100 tons of meat to Russia in January, a volume that represents nearly half of the exports to Russia in 2018 (7,500 tons).

The restrictions imposed by Russia began to be withdrawn in November last year. According to Abrafigo, only five beef and four pork plants are currently eligible to ship to Russia. Before the embargo, 30 plants exported beef and 18 pork.

Abrafrigo also estimates a 5% rise in total beef exports in 2019 year-on-year. In January, the country’s total beef exports reached 123,500 tons, with China receiving 41.4% of all exports. Exports to Hong Kong fell 27% to 27,600 tons in January, while mainland China increased imports by 3.3% to 23,500 tons in the same period.

The following Secex graph shows Brazil’s January month export trends to the top destinations for 10 years:

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