Brazilian Pig Meat Prices Rise in Q1 of 2012

GLOBAL - From January to March 2012, Brazil's fresh and frozen pork exports rose three per cent. 2011 beef exports increased by six per cent compared to the previous year.

Brazil's fresh and frozen pork exports dropped by six per cent throughout 2011 compared to 2010. The decline was a result of Russia's imposition of a trade ban on imports from three major Brazilian pig producing states, according to the AHDB's latestEuropean Market Survey.

Brazil's increase in pork exports during early 2012 is mainly due to a rise in exports to the Ukraine. Other markets also experienced growth, with shipments to Angola and Singapore up on the year.

Ireland's beef exports rose by six per cent in 2011, despite a two per cent drop in production. The UK continued to be Ireland's main market for beef. The European Union remained a net exporter of beef last year, and demand for Irish beef on the continental market remained steady.

Ireland's shipments of beef to France, the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Spain and Germany (apart from other small markets) increased.

According to figures released by the USDA, the US pig herd increased by two per cent on 1 March 2012. Similar increases were recorded for all weight bands of pigs intended for slaughter, except the heaviest pigs which were up by less than one per cent.

Meanwhile, EU meat prices rose 4.5 per cent year on yearwith the largest annual price increases generally recorded in Poland, Hungary and Estonia. Meat prices have been steadily increasing each month, with February’s prices 0.3 per cent higher than the previous month.