WASHINGTON D.C.—The United States is expected to import 1.213 million metric tons of beef in 2009—a 7-percent increase over 2008—but less than each year between 2004 and 2007, according to USDA statistics.
A Livestock and Poultry World Markets and Trade report released last week cited USDA as saying increased U.S. imports are expected due to the strengthening dollar and reduced cow slaughter that will tighten beef-processing supplies. The report also forecast Russia would increase beef imports by 2 percent to more than 1 million metric tons while Japanese beef imports rise 2 percent to 690,000 metric tons, despite a weakening economy.
U.S. beef exports are expected to rise nearly 10 percent to 934,000 metric tons in 2009 as Asian market opportunities expand. Global beef exports are expected to rise nearly 2 percent in 2009 as gains from Brazil, Argentina and the United States outweigh decreases from Australia and New Zealand.
Source:
Meatingplace.com: U.S. to import and export more beef in 2009
