February 14, 2008

Australia's live cattle exports rise 14 percent in 2007

Australia's live cattle shipments in 2007 totaled 723,072 head, up by 14 percent, the highest in four years, attributed to strong global demand specifically from Indonesia.

Countries including Mexico, Brunei, the Philippines and Libya were also major importers of Australian live cattle last year.

Indonesia topped the list with a record 520,521 head imported, surpassing the previous record set in 2002, at 429,615 head, by 21 percent. A steady supply of suitable cattle out of Northern Australia assisted the record volume.

Israel still remained the second largest market for live cattle, despite a 54-percent plunge in 2007, receiving only 36,895 head.

Malaysia ranked as the third with 35,018 head, back 38 percent on-year.

The Philippines increased its imports by 55 percent to 20,370 head. However its shipments were still way below record volumes back in the late 1990's.

Meanwhile, dairy cattle exports reached 46,665 head, up 40 percent over the previous year, with Mexico still the largest market, with 22,167 head.

Large dairy cattle shipments were also sent to Russia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Total live cattle exports for 2007 were valued at AUD516 million (US$466 million), averaging AUD716 (US$646) per head.