South American processor Minerva has reported a significant drop in cattle slaughtered for the third quarter of the year however overall exports to China have risen.
Beef exports from Paraguay have increased significantly in the past two years, thanks to the growth of its cattle herd, which has resulted in the volume of exports increasing by 55%, and their value soaring by 70% to $1.3 billion.
Paraguay is now the world’s eighth top beef exporter, according to US government figures, ahead of meat superpowers such as Argentina (11th), but their aim is to be number five by 2020 and to have 20 million head of cattle available in that year alone.
The European Commission is currently looking into claims made by the tribal rights non-governmental organisation (NGO) Survival International, regarding alleged human rights violations by a company producing Paraguayan beef.
The Argentine government has promised to be steadfast in protecting its valuable beef industry in the face of a renewed foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in neighbouring Paraguay.
