Russia – temporary ban imposed on New Zealand beef imports

Russia’s agriculture ministry has imposed a temporary ban on all beef imported from New Zealand after traces of a feed additive, Ractopamine, were found in some beef samples. New Zealand exported almost €17m worth of red meat to Russia in 2016, the majority of which was beef livers.

China – fertiliser exports will continue to fall

Fertiliser giant PotashCorp has forecast that Chinese exports of phosphates and urea will continue to decline in 2017, as the rising cost of coal, the key energy source for Chinese producers, limits output. For 2017, China is forecast to export 7.5m tonnes of urea (down from 14m in 2015) and 8m tonnes of phosphate (down from 11m tonnes in 2015).

Brazil – grain traders aim to take advantage of Trump’s row with Mexico

South American grain traders are preparing to capitalise on Mexico’s grain import demand of close to 20m tonnes if US president Donald Trump cuts trading ties with the country. With Mexico importing 14m tonnes of maize and 4m tonnes of wheat, grain companies in Brazil and Argentina will look to take advantage of this demand.

USA – record beef exports to South Korea in 2016

US beef exports to South Korea recorded major growth in 2016 to hit a record $1bn. Volumes shipped to South Korea by US meat companies was just under 170,000t, which represents a near 50% increase year-on-year. The US-South Korea free trade deal facilitated the strong export trade.