The Indonesian government's suspension of the issue of new permits on beef imports continues to keep Northern Territory cattle exporters on tenterhooks.

The import restriction was placed three months ago in an effort to overcome an oversupply of beef in the country.

About 80% of live cattle exports from Australia are sent to Indonesia.

"It has staggered the process a bit at the moment, operations have slowed down and I think that's a concerning issue for exporters," says Adam Hill, CEO of the Northern Territory Livestock Exporters Association.

"These ships need to be rotating all year round, and stoppages are extremely costly to the exporter," he adds.

There is currently weak demand for cattle in Indonesia, making it difficult for feedlotters there to sell cattle, according to Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).

However, demand could increase in the lead-up to the Muslim Ramadan festival, says Alistar Lugston, MLA's Asia Pacific livestock manager.