The EU is exporting fewer live cattle and sheep this year

According to a new short-term forecast issued by the European Commission, total EU-27 livestock exports are expected to reach 333,000 tonnes in 2020. This would mean a decrease of almost 5% compared to last year and more than 7% below the 2018 level. Of this total, 223,000 tonnes of live cattle are transported, which is expected to decrease by 5% compared to 2019. Exports of live sheep, like cattle, are expected to fall by 5% to 59,000 tonnes, in the opposite direction to the increase recorded last year. In addition to the decrease in cattle and sheep exports in the total livestock export balance, the volumes of live pig and poultry exports will also decrease. The Commission's report notes that last year's decline in EU livestock exports was driven by lower demand in Turkey. The EU has also diverted significant exports to Algeria, which favors live animal imports over meat imports. Further declines are projected in 2020 due to lower demand in Turkey, price competition in Brazil ...