Australia sees 12% rise in beef exports to Chile in 2012

Australia's beef exports to Chile have risen 12% in 2012, reaching 16,386 tonnes.

Assisting the 12% rise for the year was the sustained growth in the Chilean economy and strong consumer demand, combined with the ban on Paraguayan beef - a major beef supplier to Chile until 2011.

Almost all of the Australian beef exported throughout the past year was grassfed and chilled. The majority of Chile beef imports are made up of knuckle, topside/inside and blade. Australian beef is reportedly recognised by the Chilean consumer as a higher quality product, from a reliable and safe production system

Chilean beef imports from January to November 2012 rose 4.3% on-year, to 120,006 tonnes, with Brazil as the major supplier (48%) followed by Argentina (21%) and Australia (12%). Brazilian beef exports to Chile increased substantially in 2012, up 91% on-year, to 65,479 tonnes. Chile only recently re-opened the market for Paraguayan beef.

With Chilean beef production forecast to decrease in 2013, demand for imported beef is expected to remain strong.