April 13, 2010

Australian beef exports to Middle East surge in March

Beef exports from Australia to the Middle East rose 27% in March to 1,206 tonnes compared with the same month last year.

Accounting for the majority of the rise were Saudi Arabia, growing from 85 tonnes to 294 tonnes; Jordan from 3 tonnes to 150 tonnes and Egypt from zero to 94 tonnes.

Markets to fall in volume included the UAE, dropping from 536 tonnes to 392 tonnes; and Lebanon from 127 tonnes to 35 tonnes.

In the Saudi Arabian market, there were increases in imports for topsides - up 169 tonnes, manufacturing product - up 100 tonnes and carcasses - up 25 tonnes, partly due to Australia taking advantage of its prices being almost at parity with comparable Brazilian products.

Jordan saw a 97-tonne rise in topsides, a 25-tonne increase in manufacturing product and a 23-tonne rise in thick flank, while Egypt's increase was predominantly in blade, up 18 tonnes, chuck by 13 tonnes and carcases by 11 tonnes.