Brazilian beef exports surged in the first three months of 2013, up 34% year-on-year, to 250,546 tonnes swt, with exports to Russia, Hong Kong and Venezuela increasing significantly.  While Hong Kong has always been a major market for Brazilian offal, it has also become a major destination for fresh beef in recent years.

Hong Kong was the fourth largest market for Brazilian beef in 2012, totalling 99,719 tonnes swt, along with the largest destination for offal exports since 2002.

In the first three months of 2013, fresh beef export to Hong Kong increased 100% year-on-year, to  46,463 tonnes swt– becoming the second largest destination just behind Russia. Offal exports to Hong Kong accounted for 67% of total offal export for the same period.

Alongside Hong Kong, the higher beef exports during the first three months of 2013 were also assisted by Russia, up 24% year-on-year, to 72, 754 tonnes swt and Venezuela, up 75%, to 35,986 tonnes swt.