February 7, 2013

During January 2013, Australian beef and veal exports to Korea rose 16% on-year, to 7,790 tonnes swt, the third highest January figure on record.

This is according to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

The increase in exports during January was largely for chilled product, with overall chilled exports rising 31% on-year, to 2,016 tonnes swt. Chilled grassfed exports lifted 23% on-year, to 849 tonnes swt, while chilled grainfed shipments increased 38%, to 1,167 tonnes swt. Preparation for the upcoming Lunar Year reportedly contributed to stronger demand for grainfed product during January.

Assisted by firm demand from the fast food sector in Korea, manufacturing beef was the most popular cut shipped to Korea during January, rising 12% on-year to 1,405 tonnes swt - with 80CL increasing 34% on-year and accounting for 46% of overall manufacturing beef exports. The volume of blade also increased during the month, up 86% on-year, to 1,301 tonnes swt. However, chuck roll decreased 9% on-year in January, to 1,390 tonnes swt, due to reportedly high stock levels.