April 5, 2012

Australia's beef and veal exports to South Asia increased for March, rising 5% on-year, to 10,863 tonnes, with a 5% increase in exports during March which boost total shipments for the first three months of 2012.

Contributing to the increased March exports to the region was a 31% on-year increase in shipments to Indonesia (2,423 tonnes) - albeit from a relatively low March 2011. First quarter exports to Indonesia were also above the corresponding quarter last year, up 8%, to 6,313 tonnes.

Exports during March to Singapore (857 tonnes), Thailand (604 tonnes), Hong Kong (603 tonnes) and Vietnam (166 tonnes) surged 36%, 122%, 65% and 112% on-year, respectively.

The increase in exports for the past month was despite an 11% fall in shipments to Taiwan, at 3,185 tonnes.  Additionally, exports to both the Philippines (1,386 tonne) and Malaysia (1,188 tonnes) contracted, falling 20% and 9% respectively, while exports to China declined 22%, to 452 tonnes.

While manufacturing (3,208 tonnes) beef remains the most exported cut to the region, accounting for 30% of shipments, exports were lower in March, falling 18% on-year. Improved exports of most other significant cuts helped bolster exports, with shin/shank (1,837 tonnes) exports increasing 14% on-year.