February 26, 2013

 
Australia sees rise in meat exports in 2013

Australia has witnessed an increase in beef and lamb exports in 2013, due to expansionist efforts into China.

Data from Meat and Livestock Australia revealed that export figures for the first six weeks of 2013 are higher than those recorded during the same period last year, as a result of "ample cattle and lamb turnoff" and an increase in shipments to China.

"A review of beef exports for the first three weeks of February shows China flexing its buying muscle, with beef exports estimated to go close to cracking the 10,000 tonnes mark," said MLA analysts.

February saw the highest monthly level recorded for Australian beef exports to China. Exports for January and February are expected to reach 14,000 tonnes, and analysts said it looked likely that exports for the year would exceed existing forecasts of 35,000 tonnes.

China also increased Australian lamb import volumes this year, with shipments for February up around 15% on-year to nearly 3,600 tonnes. This follows on a 39% increase in Australian lamb exports to China last year.

The MLA has also reported record Australian beef shipments to the EU last year, with volumes up 12% on 2012.