June 8, 2004

Philippine Cattle Imports Guided By Price Consideration

The Feedlot Association of the Philippines says price will determine how many cattle are bought from Australia this year.

Newspaper reports in the Philippines suggest the Government there will limit Australian dairy and cattle imports, following delays in its application to send bananas here.

The Philippines bought more than 50,000 cattle last year, but have taken none in the past month.

Feedlot Association president, Martin Gomez says prices have jumped by 40 per cent in the last 12 months on the back of a rising Australian dollar, and high oil prices.

"When transport prices go up because of oil prices going up, all basic necessities go up as well, and people will be counting their pesos very carefully.

"When the economy is good and people have more money in their pockets, consumption of beef goes up too.

"At the moment the politics of the importation - I don't feel it at the moment because there's nothing to fight about - because we just can't afford anything."