May 7, 2012

Increased Aussie beef exports to EU in April
 

April sees a strong increase of Australian beef exports to the EU, with shipments up 9% on-year to 1,431 tonnes.
 
Behind the jump in exports was a 19% on-year jump in grassfed exports, at 1,080 tonnes. This is the highest April shipment of grassfed beef since 1998. Grassfed exports are typically higher in April, as exporters reportedly seek to get product on the water to fill remaining 'Hilton HQB' allocations before the end of the financial year. Grainfed exports decreased 14% year-on-year, to 352 tonnes. Topside/inside continues to make up the largest proportion of beef exports, accounting for 21% of shipments, followed by striploin (16%) and rump (15%). 
 
Sheepmeat exports reached 947 tonnes during April, up 5% on-year. Lamb exports decreased 4%, to 728 tonne, , while mutton exports increased 53%, to 219 tonnes. Lamb leg made up the majority of shipments (38%) followed by lamb shank (20%) and mutton leg (20%).