Argentina increases cattle slaughter figures to prevent a beef shortage
Argentina has increased cattle slaughter figures in March to prevent any disruption in supply created by the COVID-19 outbreak. According to official statistics, 1.094 million cattle have been slaughtered, up 8.2% compared with the same month last year and 7% month-on-month.
For the first quarter of 2020, slaughter figures reached 3.284 million head, representing an increase of 5.4% (168,000 head) compared with the same period of 2019. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic has been felt by the beef sector and the fluctuating markets around the world, combined with the risk of infections among workers in processing plants, have made the Argentinian industry more cautious about ensuring the proper supplies of beef.
"While strengthening the prevention and control of the pandemic, Argentinian plants cleared for exports, in particular, have to address the challenge brought by the fluctuating market.
Local media reported that several plants stated that under the influence of fluctuating market and the pandemic, the shutdown of Argentine slaughterhouses represented a routine emergency way, with their no-productive time varying from each other," mentioned Beef to China platform. In 2019, more than 70% of the beef exported by Argentinian producers has been shipped to China. The Asian market has recently resumed imports of meat after 11 weeks of lockdown imposed in several major cities due to coronavirus outbreaks.
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