Live exports of cattle remain exceptionally strong, with 9,609 animals exported live in the week ending 13 April 2014. This compares to 7,292 for the corresponding week in 2013. Exports have been particularly strong throughout March and April with year to-date-exports, at 99,944 head, running 18,664 head or 24% above last year’s levels.

The greatest increase is in the category of calves and finished animals. Live exports of calves are starting to slowly fall off but remain exceptionally strong despite prices temporarily rising by €10 to €20 per head in the last two to three weeks.

Joe Burke of Bord Bia said exports in the last three weeks have been helped by continued demand in our main markets of the Netherlands, Spain and Belgium and a recovery in demand from France. Exports to the Netherlands for the week ending 13 April totalled 2,022 calves, with year-to-date exports at 28,835 calves and running 34% or 7,356 head above 2013 levels. Weekly exports to Spain were at 1,144 head with year to date exports at 22,234 head, running 8,986 or a massive 67% above 2013 levels. Joe Burke explains that the higher exports to Spain have been helped by a vibrant live export trade from Spain to Libya creating more demand in the market for Friesian bulls. Year to date exports to Belgium are running 1,864 head above last year’s levels, with 15,835 animals exported live for the year to date.

Calf prices for the Dutch and Belgian markets range from €45 to €75 per head with stronger calves for the Spanish market trading from €70 to €100 per head. A recovery in calf exports to France has occurred at an ideal time to add competition to the trade and maintain momentum in calf exports. According to Burke, the French market requires a calf at the higher end of the export market, with prices ranging in general from €90 to €120 per head. Exports for the week ending 13 April were recorded at 520 calves with total exports at 2,301, running 3,664 head behind last year’s levels.

Strong Libyan exports

Live export volumes have been helped by a strong Libyan trade. Exports for the year to date total 6,062 head, an increase of 732 or 13.7% on 2013. The most recent shipment occurred in the week ending 13 April and totalled 1,436 head. The strong live exports are likely to lead to tighter cattle supplies in 2016.