date:Jul 25, 2014
ports.
China, the world's biggest meat consumer, became a huge beef importer in 2013 as inward shipments almost quadrupled year-on-year to about 300,000 metric tons, according to the bank.
The bank has forecast annual import growth of 15 to 20 per cent in the next five years, although the actual volume of imports may actually be double the official figures because of widespread smuggling.
Cattle farmers are shifting to other agribusinesses due to a lack of government support and the large amo