Agman was good enough to supply these numbers for us a while ago, on the old Bull Session. Here they are for the benefit of new folks. Sorry if I gave anything away Agman. :wink:
These figures are inclusive of live cattle values:
2001 Imports = $4.373b Exports = $5.499b Net Export surplus = $1.126b
2002 Imports = $4.357b Exports = $5.074b Net export surplus = $717 M
2003 Imports = $3.636b Exports = $5.755b Net export surplus = $2.139b
In 2002 export growth slowed due the the BSE situation in Japan and the subsequent decline in consumer demand
In 2003 Canadian imports were halted in mid-May and the subsequent surge in exports versus imports.
I believe the average net export surplus in dollars over an extended period of years has averaged approximately $1.2 billion dollars annually. I hope this information helps you and others to better understand the beef import/export situation. That is worth approximtely $30 per head in increased value on a net basis.