• Chinese sheepmeat imports for the first nine months of 2017 stood at 188,000t, which is 3% ahead of the same period last year. New Zealand accounts for over 60% of imports, with Australia accounting for a further 15% of the import market.
  • Argentinian exports of chilled and frozen beef for the month of October stood at close to 20,300t, which is more than two-thirds (+70%) higher than the same month last year. This brings Argentinian beef exports for the first 10 months of 2017 close to 190,000t, which is over 30% ahead of last year.
  • The USDA has forecast combined sowings of spring and winter wheat for the coming year at 45m acres, which would be the lowest planted area for wheat since 1919. The lower forecast for wheat acres is due to a switch to soya beans, with a record 91m acres expected to be planted in 2018.
  • Dutch dairy co-op FrieslandCampina has written to suppliers urging restraint for milk production in spring 2018. The dairy co-op, which processes almost 11bn litres every year, has warned suppliers it may not have the capacity to process increased milk production in the peak spring period next year.