91998E2295

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2295/98

by John McCartin (PPE) to the Commission

(22 July 1998)

Subject: EU beef exports to third countries

Can the Commission provide figures to show the total amount of beef exported from the EU to third countries over the last three years and state what was the average amount of export refunds paid per kg?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(3 September 1998)

Exports of beef during the last three years were 1 199 255 tonnes carcase weight in 1995, 1 103 951 tonnes in 1996 and 1 050 034 tonnes in 1997.

Export refunds for beef and live animals are fixed at least every three months and published in the Official journal. The export refund paid on beef is differentiated and the rate varies according to destination. The present refund level paid for live animals other than pure-bred breeding animals to the destinations with the highest refunds are ECU 52,00 per 100 kilogramme live weight for male cattle, while for fresh meat of male adult bovine animals the refund rate is ECU 110,50 per 100 kilogramme carcase weight. For fresh meat of male adult bovine animals the refund rate has varied between ECU 110,50 per 100 kilogramme to ECU 169,00 per 100 kilogramme during the last three years.