Ag-Network-Chile

Chile is classified as a "ZERO RISK" country since it is free of the diseases listed in the OIEs "A" list. Furthermore, it has been acknowledged as a country that is free from bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) known as "mad cow disease". Consequently, Chile is at an advantage over other South American countries in the sense that it is able to export unboned meat.

Chilean authorities have made a commitment to introduce an animal tracing system incorporating farms under official control. Furthermore, there is a waste control system in place that makes it possible to guarantee product safety.

Chile began exporting beef in mid 2002. In a few months it managed to penetrate the markets of Israel, Central America and Japan. Under the Association Agreement with the European Union, an annual quota of 1000 tons can enter European markets fully exempt of customs duties. Beef exports reached 6443 tans in 2003 which, compared to 2002, is equal to a growth of 82 percent. These exports amounted to a total of US$15 million, a figure 129 percent higher than the 2002 total. The main destinations are, once more, markets that demand high quality such as Israel, Japan, Costa Rica, Germany and the United Kingdom. Shipments to the last two countries are undoubtedly linked to the Association Agreement with the European Union.

Stockbreeders and the specialised industry are investing strongly at present to address the demands of foreign markets.

 

The content of this document (Flavors of Chile - 2004) was kindly provided by the Export Promotion Bureau - ProChile

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