Fast food restaurants across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are expecting a drop in business with the recent government decision to ban beef products from the United States.
The country imports approximately 1,387 metric tons of beef from the US annually, according to United Nations (UN) statistics.
The ruling followed a warning from the World Health Organization (WHO) that Mad Cow Disease was discovered in cows raised in Washington State. US beef is mainly consumed by the UAE hotel industry, with the majority of hotels and restaurants in Dubai using US beef products.
Emirati beef importers purchased approximately 50,000 tons of meat in 2002. US beef accounted for 1,189 tons of frozen imports, 152 tons of fresh meat and 52 tons of processed beef imports last year.
The UAE primarily imports its beef from India, with Brazil and Australia becoming growing competitors. With the outbreak of Mad Cow Disease and Foot-to-Mouth Disease on the European continent in 2001, the UAE banned the importation of beef from the EU. India took over much of what was the EU’s market share and US beef exports to the country doubled reaching $9.4 million in 2002. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
