The livestock sector attributes the reduction in sales in the first nine months of the year, compared to the same period of 2013, to increased smuggling.
Some 39,800 cattle were exported up to the month of September, according to reports from the Central Bank of Nicaragua. This amount reflects a decline in sales compared to September 2013 when 56,000 heads were exported.
US beef, pork and chicken meat produced without the use of antibiotics currently represents 5% of the market and there is a growing demand from consumers.
A preference for meat that has not received antibiotics during its production process is growing in the US, where "... in 2012, 72% of people said they were extremely or very concerned about the widespread use of antibiotics in feed for animals. "
The guild has stated that producers are accelerating the shipment of cattle to slaughterhouses in order to increase production and take advantage of the increase in the international price of meat.
Meat prices in the international market have seen increases of up to 3% and 4% in recent months, positioning exports of meat products in second place of total exports.
Due to the contraction in domestic production, it is estimated that by the end of the year beef imports will have risen by 19% compared to 2013.
From statement issued by the Foreign Trade Promotion Office of Costa Rica (PROCOMER):
An increase is expected in imports of beef in the United States
According to data from the Economic Research Service of the Department of Agriculture (USDA), it is expected that imports of beef at the end of the year will have a total volume of about 2.684 million pounds, which represents a increase of 19% compared to 2013. The USDA also estimates that this behavior could be maintained for 2015 and the year could end with an increase of 0.6%.
It is believed that in order to feed the 50,000 workers that will be required for the work there is enough meat available, but a shortage of rice and vegetables.
In the meeting held by the Superior Council of Private Enterprise (COSEP) and the Union of Agricultural Producers of Nicaragua delegates from the company HKND, discussed the issue of the country's capacity to provide food for the 50,000 workers needed to complete the work.
An announcement has been made that the South American country has been authorized to export a type of beef produced without hormones or antibiotics, endorsed by the Department of Agriculture.
From a statement issued by the Foreign Trade Promotion Office of Costa Rica (Procomer):
The Department of Agriculture (USDA has authorized Uruguay to deliver a new meat product, according to the Minister of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP) of this country, Tabaré Aguerre.
In 2013 the export supply of the region in the international market was focused on integrated electronic circuits, coffee, bananas, sugarcane and medical devices.
From a report by the Secretariat of Central American Economic Integration (SIEC):
Diversification of exports is above the thresholds of the largest Latin American exporting economies.
American health authorities have lifted the restriction on the import of meat from the province of Patagonia, Argentina, in force since 2001.
From a statement issued by the Foreign Trade Promotion Office of Costa Rica (Procomer):
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the Department of Agriculture of the United States announced the lifting of the ban that was placed on beef imports from Argentina more than 13 years ago.
Up to August 31, 2014 the total amount exported was $1.859 million, 8.04% more than the $1.721 million generated in the same month in 2013.
Regarding the volume of exports, up to August 2014, the Center for Exports (CETREX) reported 1.36 million metric tons, 12.9% more than the 1.20 million metric tons sold in the same month in 2013.
The Russian ban for one year on imports of meat, dairy products, fruit and vegetables from the European Union and the United States could open the door for Central American products.
Central American food exporters could take up the opportunity to enter a market in which every year "... spends about $2.7 billion on fruits and vegetables from Europe and ... $1.3 billion in food and agricultural products ifrom the USA."
Meat sales abroad in the first half of the year amounted to $207.8 million, 14% more than in the same period in 2013.
Exports of milk in the period in question also showed a better performance despite the drought affecting some of the country's production areas, since they increased by 17% compared to the first half of 2013.
In the case of milk production, the vice president of the Nicaraguan Chamber of Dairy businesses (Canislan), Wilmer Fernández told Elnuevodiario.com.ni that "... '((The drought) itself is striking (producers) in the dry corridor, but in terms of overall production volumes have actually increased. This is reflected in exports (...) This is not to say there are no encumbrances, but overall, in terms of the industry, there are no concerns about supply to the domestic market and exports. '"
Starting July 17th the categorization of products according to their health risk will be applied and a 15 day shipping notice will be required to import those labelled as "high risk."
A new "Directive on sanitation and phytosanitation for the facilitation of trade in goods and shipments in Central America", adopted by the Council of Ministers for Economic Integration (Comieco), approved in January and which will come into effect from Thursday, July 17, could detract agility from intraregional trade, warns the Exporters Corporation of El Salvador (Coexport).
The OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2014-2023 report forecasts a fall in agricultural prices, while ground is gained in livestock production and biofuels.
Cereals remain the staple food, but greater quantities of protein, fat and sugar are being consumed in many parts of the world due to increasing income and urbanization.
The USA is carrying out sanitation checks in Ireland and the Netherlands in order to raise short-term restrictions on the entry of beef from these countries.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office:
After 16-year ban because of the mad cow disease, the USA is about to allow imports of beef and veal from the Netherlands and Ireland.
A statutory amendment will allow Brazil to use a World Trade Organization quota to export beef to the United States.
Nicaraguan producers and exporters have raised concerns about the possible impact of changes in trade policies which are being discussed by the U.S. Congress, which directly affect the export of peanuts, tobacco and meat, the latter product due to possible entry of beef from Brazil.