February 3, 2006

Australia's lamb, mutton exports jump 

Australia's lamb and mutton exports to the Middle East and South Africa jumped considerably in 2005, according to Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).

Lamb exports to the Middle East increased by 36 percent in 2005 to a record 14,052 tonnes. Mutton exports to the region rose 24 percent from 2004 levels, to 36,051 tonnes.

The increased shipments of lamb and mutton to the region in 2005 were partly due to expanded Australian supplies, MLA said. The rise in demand for Australian products in the region was also caused by an increase in prices for competing products such as Brazilian frozen whole chickens and beef primal cuts.

Exports to South Africa also increased substantially, due to increased supplies and a strong underlying growth in demand for meat proteins. Lamb exports to South Africa rose 71 percent to reach 4,370 tonnes for 2005. Mutton exports to the country increased by 21 percent to hit 13,658 tonnes.