May 2, 2008

New Zealand beef exports grow 42 percent

New Zealand beef exports to Southeast Asia and Chinas in the first quarter of 2008 increased by 42 percent compared with the same period last year to 19,693 tonnes swt, according to Meat & Livestock Australia.

The growth was because of a surge in frozen manufacturing beef exports to most markets in the region. More beef was sourced from New Zealand and Australia because of strong demand from the foodservice sectors and the higher prices of Brazilian beef.

During the quarter, Indonesia was New Zealand's largest market, with shipments reaching 7,906 tonnes swt, up 67 percent.

Exports to the Philippines, Singapore and Hong Kong strengthened, while shipments to Taiwan declined by 18 percent to 5,339 tonnes swt.

Australian beef exports to the region grew 16 percent during the first quarter of 2008 to 16,876 tonnes swt.

The growth was driven by better access to Australian beef supplies and the continuing strong demand from the region.