Indonesia imports record high of Australian cattle

Indonesia's demand for Australian cattle reached a record high in 2008, helping the industry to lighten the pressure of the economic crisis.

Indonesia imported more than 530,000 head of cattle, up 40 percent from 2006, according to newspaper The West Australian.

Although Indonesia's currency had declined in the past six weeks, pressurizing cattle prices, demand remained strong and there was little sign of that slowing, according to Steve Meerwald, managing director of livestock exporter Wellard Rural Exports.

Future growth in Indonesia is promising in a nation that boasts a population of 220 million that are increasing in wealth, which in turn increased demand for protein sources such as beef.