UK to join CPTPP by 15 December

The UK has secured the sixth and final ratification required to trigger our accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) before the end of this year.

CPTPP is a free trade area spanning five continents and almost 600 million people once the UK joins. Following Peru’s ratification of our deal to join the bloc, the agreement will now officially enter into force by 15 December 2024.

More than 99% of current UK goods exports to CPTPP members will be tariff-free once the deal enters into effect, helping businesses export more to CPTPP markets and contributing to the government’s priority of driving economic growth. By 2040, the agreement could boost the UK economy by around £2 billion annually.

Before Peru, five other CPTPP members ratified the terms of the UK’s accession: Japan, Singapore, Chile, New Zealand and Vietnam. This means the agreement will come into force with those members by 15 December, and subsequently with other members as they ratify. We continue to work closely with the remaining member countries who are in the process of ratifying the deal.

As the first country to accede to this agreement the UK will be well positioned to shape its future development, from influencing the development of the CPTPP rulebook to championing the group’s expansion to new economies.

Gov.uk

Makro planning Argentine exodus?

Makro, a leading wholesale supermarket chain where anyone can shop at more convenient prices, has announced its decision to leave crisis-ridden Argentina after some 30 years in the South American country where sales keep plunging despite President Javier Milei’s administration successful narrative.

According to the consulting firm Scientia, the wholesale sector faced an 18.8% drop in sales in August alone.

The company reportedly put up all its 24 branches in 10 territories for sale. Makro had already reduced its development in other countries in the region such as Brazil, Peru, and Venezuela. Owned by the Dutch group HSV, Makro entrusted Banco Santander with the liquidation procedures, it was also reported.

Although Makro denied the move, negotiations were said to be underway with potential buyers, some of them already involved in the wholesale and supermarket business. Makro’s assets are believed to be worth around US$ 200 million. Makro had landed in Argentina in 1988 through Colombian-born businessman and former Congressman Francisco de Narváez, then owner of the now-defunct Tía chain.

MercoPress

Australian Cattle and Sheep Market Report w/e 16th August 2024

Cattle market

The cattle market was generally positive this week despite a 14¢ decline in heavy steer prices. Yardings eased once again, totalling 48,488 head.

The National Young Cattle Indicator lifted 14¢ to 357¢/kg liveweight (lwt). This is the second-highest price this year, behind the peak in February. A large portion of supply was coming through NSW online sales, which made up 23% of the indicator throughput. NSW online sales took over Roma and Queensland online sales, reflecting a slowdown in Queensland supply (though recent rain across the state lifted restocker enthusiasm).

The Heavy Steer Indicator fell back 14¢ to 345¢/kg lwt, opening the gap between processor-ready steers, trade feeders and restockers. The restocker market was driven by Queensland regarding throughput. Rain across NSW led to stronger restocker steer prices, particularly in Wagga Wagga. The Restocker Steer Indicator lifted 8¢ to 375¢, while the Heifer Indicator was the week’s highest performer, lifting 12¢ to 298¢/kg lwt.

Sheep market

The sheep market was poorer this week, as yardings eased 15% to 246,111 head, with an 11% dip in sheep (78,071) and a 16% dip in lamb yardings (168,040).

The Mutton Indicator eased 11¢ to 362¢/kg carcase weight (cwt), however was the least impacted by the decline in yardings. The declines were largely due to mixed quality of mutton offered to larger buyer markers, especially across NSW, softening $7–$21 in a usually strong Wagga market, and $10–$20 in Bendigo.

The Heavy Lamb Indicator was the best performer – while also being less affected by hits to yardings. The indicator lifted 7¢ to 819¢/kg cwt. Exporters were present across major markets and quality was the driver across NSW – lambs above 30kg drove the excitement, with good lines of grain-assisted stock hitting markets, some tipping $300/head.

Slaughter

Week ending 16 August 2024

Cattle slaughter eased slightly on the previous week, easing by 4,000 head (3%) to 134,023 processed over the week, remaining above the weekly average for 2024.

The most significant change across states was in WA, with slaughter lifting 33% to 3,539 head, their highest since March of this year. Slaughter also lifted 6% in Tasmania to 4,448 and 3% in NSW to 34,993 head. Eases were seen in all other states, starting at Victoria by 1% to 21,959 after the historic highs of previous weeks. SA slaughter dropped by 2% to 3,280, and Queensland (which drove the national dip) falling by 8% to 65,864, their lowest throughput since May.

Lamb slaughter eased 4% to 413,152 processed over the week. Despite lifts in NSW (1% to total 117,392) and Queensland (4% lift totalling 1,477), all other states experienced declines. Sheep slaughter lifted 6% to 154,689 head processed over the week. This was buoyed by a 16% lift in NSW to 63,578. Despite the lift, it is still below the weekly average for 2024.

Combined slaughter remained flat, falling by only 1% to 567,841. Tasmania and SA each fell 10% and 20% respectively to 8,283 and 22,044 mainly due to maintenance closures, while Victoria eased 4% to 269,824. Lifts between 1%–6% were seen across other states; WA (85,228), Queensland (1,492), and NSW (180,970).

MLA

See also:

Australian Red Meat Exports Boom in UK since Free Trade Agreement

Argentina Lowers Beef Export Tax to Boost Foreign Sales

The Argentine government has announced a reduction in the beef export tax by 25%, lowering it from 9% to 6.75%. This move aims to promote sales to foreign markets and improve the income levels of producers and processors, thereby enhancing Argentina’s presence in international markets[1].

This decision by the libertarian President Javier Milei partly fulfills his promise to farmers to reduce and eventually abolish taxes on food commodities, of which Argentina is a significant global exporter. Interestingly, this move also signifies a rapprochement with China, a country Milei had criticized during his electoral campaign and early months in office. China remains Argentina’s main market for meat sales, accounting for 81% of Argentine beef exports[1].

The latest figures from meat exporters show that Israel takes 6% of Argentine beef sales, the United States 5%, Germany 4%, and the Netherlands 3.6%[1]. While the announcement is likely to be welcomed by most cattle breeders and meat processors in Argentina, it has drawn criticism from some quarters.

Paolo Rocca, CEO of Techint, one of Argentina’s largest global corporations, voiced concerns about the impact of China’s purchasing approach on Latin America. Rocca warned about the “primary goods no added value economies trap” that Latin American countries, including Argentina, have fallen into due to Beijing’s centralized and authoritarian policies[1]. He emphasized the need for Argentina to review its long-term strategic policies to avoid becoming overly reliant on exporting primary goods to China[1].

Despite these concerns, the reduction in export tax is expected to provide a significant boost to Argentina’s beef industry, helping it to compete more effectively in the global market.

[1]: An external link was removed to protect your privacy.

References

[1] Argentine government lowers beef export tax to 6.75%

MercoPress

UK approves tariff-free meat imports from Australia and NZ

Windsor Framework Trade Deal: Tariff-Free Meat Imports for Northern Ireland

The UK and EU have ratified an important change to the Windsor Framework trade deal. This update gives Northern Ireland (NI) businesses wider access to UK free trade agreements.

Previously, NI importers could not benefit from tariff-free arrangements on certain meat products. Higher tariffs created barriers that the rest of the UK did not face. Now, the new deal allows over 13,000 tonnes of lamb, beef and poultry from Australia and New Zealand to enter NI tariff-free under UK tariff rate quotas. However, any imports above this quota will still face tariffs.

The move is already being welcomed. Steve Baker, UK Minister of State for Northern Ireland, described the change as a unique arrangement. He said it would “further cement Northern Ireland’s place in the UK”. Moreover, he stressed the importance of including safeguards in free trade deals to prevent the market from being flooded with low-priced imports.

At the same time, the government has promised to introduce legislation to secure this commitment in law. This step will provide clarity and reassurance to importers and suppliers. As a result, NI businesses will be able to plan more confidently for the months ahead.

For the meat trade, the benefits are clear. Wholesalers, caterers and processors now have the chance to diversify sourcing, access competitive pricing, and strengthen their supply chains with trusted partners in Australia and New Zealand.

In summary, the updated Windsor Framework trade deal delivers both opportunity and stability. It supports Northern Ireland’s role within the UK market while opening doors to high-quality global meat imports.

source: John Campbell | BBC News N.I

First shipment of Russian pork arrives in China

First Shipment of Russian Pork Arrives in China

In a historic move, the first shipment of Russian pork arrives in China, marking the end of a 15-year ban. Chinese authorities lifted African swine fever restrictions in September 2023, paving the way for renewed trade.

The 27-ton consignment originated from the Belgorod region. Russia’s Miratorg holding produced the meat and began its journey on 7 March 2024. It was loaded onto a refrigerated container train at Selyatino, then shipped to Vladivostok. From there, the cargo sailed to Nansha port in China. The journey concluded with the shipment arriving at its destination on 13 April 2024. The entire process took approximately one month.

“Our aim is to expand supply volumes in the coming years and tailor products to Chinese preferences,” said Miratorg’s press service. They highlighted their full control over product traceability—from field to table—and pledged to meet all Chinese veterinary standards.

This shipment, supervised by Rosselkhoznadzor (Russia’s veterinary authority), was handled by Fesco’s subsidiary, Dalreftrans. It received Beijing’s approval based on strict sanitary and quarantine standards.

Furthermore, the success has not been isolated. By early April, another Russian enterprise dispatched three additional pork by‑product shipments to China, totaling nearly 168 tonnes.

Overall, this event signals a turning point for Russian pork exports. It represents the first of many potential shipments that could reshape trade between Russia and China.

source: Interfax

Also:

Russia sends first pork shipment to China in 15 years

Russian pork exports to China begin ahead of schedule

First Russian pork on its way to China

Boosting pork exports to Southeast Asia: Russia launches the Meat Shuttle

QMS relaunches Scotch Beef Club in Italy

QMS Relaunches Scotch Beef Club in Italy to Strengthen Export Connections

On 3 April 2024, QMS relaunched the Scotch Beef Club in Italy, underscoring its commitment to premium export markets. The relaunch took place during a high-profile gastronomic event in Milan, where leading foodservice buyers gathered around a three-course menu featuring Scotch Beef, paired with Scotch whisky tasting. The aim: to enhance brand awareness and strengthen trade ties.

Italy already accounts for £10 million (around 15 %) of Scotch Beef exports as of July 2023 — a significant export channel. Any restaurant worldwide serving quality Scotch Beef can now join the Club and benefit from QMS support, marketing collateral, and promotional resources.

Tom Gibson, QMS’s Director of Business Development, said the initiative helps bring the virtues of traceability, provenance, and consistent quality to chefs and restaurateurs. He emphasised that boosting trade in high-value markets like Italy is a top priority.

QMS Brand Development Manager Gordon Newlands added that the Brand’s compelling story—rooted in quality assurance and ethical production—resonates strongly in the Italian foodservice scene. The relaunched Club offers QMS a structured platform to deepen relationships with chefs, buyers, and partners.

Quality Meat Scotland