Are there seasonal variations in exports of meat?
Total Beef Product weight – Export to EU only Weekly volumes of exports Estimate figures for beef exports assume continued growth right through to the end of the year. It should be noted that this growth is mainly to Italy and to recently developing markets such as Portugal and the Scandinavian markets. Exports to Italy show an increase of nearly 42,000 tonnes (+84%). The beneficial currency factors affecting in particular the Netherlands have been of great benefit in these markets. Exports to non-EU markets have increased by 10%. South Africa is now our largest non-EU market, taking approximately 50% of all non-EU beef exports. South Africa is also our third largest beef market taking 27,055 tonnes in 1995. Other markets in Africa and Hong Kong are showing significant increases. The number of cases of BSE are falling steadily at a rate of over 30% year on year. Approximately 130 suspect cases per week were reported at the beginning of 1997, lower than the level of reported cases in 19
