Australian beef exporters expressed optimism regarding the Korean beef market as the country exported 26% more beef in April than the same month last year and 13% more year-to-date compared with 2009, according to Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

Chilled beef exports to Korea from January to April hit a new record at 10,512 tonnes swt – an increase of 29% on the same period last year.

During this period, chilled beef made up 30% of total beef volumes to Korea, compared with 26% the same period in 2009. Australian chilled chuck roll accounted for 22%, while short ribs and blade both made up 14% of total chilled beef exports each. In the same period last year, chuck roll represented 20%, while short ribs and blade made up 18% and 12% of total chilled beef exports, respectively.

The strong presence of Australian chilled beef in the Korean market could be attributed to the steady growth in the Korean retail sector and growth in consumer demand for better quality products.