February 14, 2012

Australia's live cattle exports decline in 2011

Export volumes and values for Australia's live cattle, sheep and goats have declined in 2011.

Live cattle exports dropped 21% on-year to total 694,429 heads for 2011 - valued at AUD629 million (US$676 million), according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Indonesia remained the largest export market, despite shipments falling 21% below the previous year, at 413,359 heads. It also retained its 60% market share from 2010, while Turkey and Israel recorded a market share of 8%.

Live sheep exports also fell 17% in 2011 to 2,458,448 heads, but managed to increase 2% in value, reaching AUD328 million (US353 million) for the year. The Middle East region took 99% of exports, with Kuwait remaining the largest individual export market at 956,642 heads and a 39% market share.

Live goat exports fell 18% on-year in both volume and value, totalling 63,663 heads and AUD8.5 million (US$9.1 million) for the year, respectively. Shipments to the largest export destination, Malaysia, dropped by 15% to 54,732 heads; however, its market share increased by 4% to reach 83% of Australia's total live goat exports.