Monday 10 May 2010

The US imported manufacturing beef market dropped this week as end users are finding it difficult to source fat trimming to blend with the imported lean product.  Another factor is a growing nervousness about committing forward on purchases at the recent high price levels.  With the peak demand period at the end of May looming closer the market is in a fine balance.

 

In Asia demand has improved from all markets in recent weeks and prices have moved upwards across the board.   

 

For the first quarter of 2010 NZ beef exports were similar to last year in volume but fell by 9% in value with strong market prices more than off set by the strength of the NZ currency.