POLISH FOREIGN TRADE IN CATTLE IN THE YEARS 2004-2015

Abstract

The purpose of the analysis was to show changes in foreign trade of live cattle in light of the profitability of its production in Poland measured by the relation of cattle price to the price of feed. In the researched period a trend towards more positive balance of trade in beef products was being observed, while imports of cattle were increasing and exports of cattle were decreasing. Decreasing turnover of the foreign trade in cattle was accompanied by relatively slow processes of concentration of cattle production, increasing of livestock, decreasing of the number of farms involved in the breeding of cattle in Poland and changing profitability of cattle production. Relationship of the price cattle less than one year to the price of compound feed for calves was the most favorable for agricultural producers in 2004-2006, and for cattle over one year to the price of compound feed for cattle in 2005-2006 and 2009. The increase in domestic production resulted, inter alia, from the restructuring of the dairy sector, the elimination of milk quotas and the decline in milk prices.