March 22, 2013

Australian red meat exports to South Asia, with the exception of China, have fell in February 2012, with a 11% drop on-year, at 13,196 tonnes.

The decline has been attributed to lower beef volumes, according to Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Australia exported 9,639 tonnes of beef and veal to South Asia during February, down 15% on-year. Contributing to the decline in February was lower exports to Hong Kong - down 30% on-year, at 422 tonnes. Shipments to both Singapore and Malaysia also contracted during the past month, with the monthly volume dropping to 46% and 45% on-year, respectively. Import permits continue to restrict Australia's beef trade to Indonesia, resulting in a 23% on-year decline in February shipments, to 2,076 tonnes. Exports to Vietnam declined significantly, to 129 tonnes (down 55%). 

In contrasts, exports to Taiwan remained strong during February, with the volume lifting 11% on-year, at 2,818 tonnes. Exports to Thailand also increased 19% in February. Shipments to the Philippines rise 8% on-year.

Australian sheep meat exports to South Asia lifted 2% on-year in February, at 3,557 tonnes. Underpinning the growth was strong mutton exports, up 17% on-year, at 2,315 tonnes, which offset declining lamb exports to the region.

Mutton carcase exports to Malaysia have been increasing steadily since September 2012, with the February monthly volume rising 125% on-year. Mutton leg exports to Singapore also demonstrated an improvement in February, with a 78% rise on-year, at 251 tonnes.