Brasília, February 13, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - According to the president of the Permanent National Beef Cattle Forum of the National Confederation of Agriculture (CNA), Antenor Nogueira, the tendency for Brazilian beef exports to increase is the result of conquering new markets. "We are capable of selling abroad, in the new markets, such as Asia, at prices 40-50% cheaper than producers from New Zealand, Australia, and the United States, and with genetic and sanitary quality," he contends.

According to Nogueira, crises in other exporting countries, such as the drought in Australia, "mad cow" disease in the United States, and "bird flu" in Asia and the United States, should stimulate demand for beef. "If there is economic growth of around 3.5%, as the government projects, domestic demand should also increase, and we should see an improvement in the price paid to producers," Nogueira affirms. The expectation is for a 25% recovery in the price of the "arroba" (an old weight unit equivalent to approximately 15 kilograms) of beef on the hoof.

Brazilian beef exports in January were 42.6% greater than in January, 2003. Foreign sales amounted to US$ 99.6 million, and the average price paid for fresh beef was US$ 2,015 per ton (carcass equivalent), which represents a 30% price recovery. Processed beef was sold for an average value of US$ 2,128 per ton, a 12.6% improvement.

The expectation is for exports to grow 20% this year, compared with 2003. In 2003 Brazil was considered the world's biggest exporter, with sales of 1.3 million tons and earnings of US$ 1.5 billion. (DAS)