ARGENTINE Argentine: Meat exports increased in 2024 with China as the main destination
The annual report of the Consortium of Argentine Meat Exporters (ABC) reveals a complex but positive year for beef exports. In 2024, shipments reached 768,600 tons of product weight, worth 3,018.7 million dollars, marking a year-on-year increase of 12.5% in volume and 8.7% in value.
Posted on Jan 31 ,00:30
Argentine: Meat exports increased in 2024 with China as the main destination
This increase consolidated China as the main destination, followed by Europe, Israel and the United States.
A review of the key numbers
- Export volumes : Exports of chilled and frozen meat reached 768,600 tonnes. Within this total, chilled meat accounted for 108,900 tonnes (+12.5% compared to 2023) and frozen boneless meat 474,200 tonnes (+3.9%).
- Export value : Beef revenues totaled $3,018.7 million, with average export prices in December at $4,430 per ton, 19.9% higher than the December 2023 average.
- Offal and preparations : This segment contributed 124,800 tonnes and US$200.4 million, with average prices of US$1,600 per tonne.
China continued to lead as the main market, accounting for 73.8% of the export volume. Shipments to this country included:
- 25,600 tons of frozen boneless meat, worth $99.7 million.
- 15,300 tons of bone-in meat, worth $24.6 million.
The average export price to China stood at $3,900 per tonne in December, down from $5,900 in 2022.
Diversification into other markets
- Europe : Shipments to the EU reached 4,300 tonnes in December, 18% more than in 2023, with chilled boneless meat standing out at an average price of $10,451 per tonne.
- Israel : Kosher meat exports rose after the reactivation of certification teams, totaling 3,600 tons in December.
- United States : Exports increased by 45.5%, reaching 34,800 tons annually.
- Mexico : With the opening of this market in 2023, 9,400 tons were exported in 2024.
Offal: A segment with potential
Bovine offal and preparations showed steady growth. In December, 11,300 tonnes were exported for 17.7 million dollars. Products such as bovine tongues, livers and tails found key markets in Russia, South Africa and Hong Kong.
Although export volumes and values have grown, structural challenges persist:
- International prices : Average prices remain below the highs reached in 2022, reflecting a global downward trend.
- Market concentration : Dependence on China exposes the sector to fluctuations in demand from that country.
- Sustainability : The industry faces increasing demands for responsible production and animal welfare, especially in markets such as Europe and the United States.
2024 was a year of consolidation for Argentine beef exports, with China leading as the main trading partner. However, the sector must focus on diversifying markets, stabilising prices and adapting to growing international demands to ensure long-term sustainable growth.
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