April 5, 2012

Australian beef exports to the EU continued their strong start for 2012, with exports in March up 6% on-year to 1,025 tonnes with a huge increase in grainfed exports accounting for the strong result.

Topside/Insides made up the largest proportion of total beef exports, accounting for 20% of shipments, followed by striploin (16%) and Silverside/Outside (14%). The UK continues to take the majority of Australian beef, with 51% of exports during March, followed by Italy (28%) and Denmark (12%).

Sheepmeat exports totalled 1,062 tonnes for March, back 7% year-on-year. Lamb exports decreased 13%, to 808 tonnes, while mutton exports increased 24%, to 254 tonnes. Lamb leg made up the majority of shipments (41%), followed by lamb shank (18%) and mutton leg (15%).