January 2, 2004

Australia To Boost Beef Sales To Asian Countries

Australia is intensifying efforts to promote its beef sales in Japan, South Korea and other Asian countries. Following the recent mad cow disease incident in the United States, Australia is taking the stance that its cattle are raised on natural feed and BSE-free.

The move followed a recent decision by South Korean government to ban U.S. beef imports. With the measure in place, Australia has become the only major beef exporter with access to the domestic market.

To cash in on the opportunity, the Australian government has increased support for exporters of beef to Asian countries and provided financial help for beef export research with the help of Austrade, the Australian Trade Commission, the agency said.

Meat and Livestock Australia, which provides marketing, research, and other services for that country's red meat industry, recently held seminars for its 30,000 members to educate them on the exports and has produced advertising pamphlets to be distributed in Asian countries, according to the agency.

"In overseas marketing, Australia is making full use of the fact that its cattle, raised on pastures and natural feed, has not been hit by the mad cow disease. It is worth seeing how much progress the country will make in Asian exports with such promotions," an official at agency said.

Australia exported 926,400 tons of beef to around 100 countries worldwide last year. South Korea and Japan accounted for 84,800 tons and 238,000 tons respectively, according to the KOTRA.

To ensure food security, South Korea currently has banned beef from 19 countries hit by mad cow disease, including Britain, France, Japan and Canada.