June 18, 2011

Indonesia may turn to the US for live cattle

Indonesia may import live cattle from the US or Mexico after Australia's export suspension to the country, said Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu.

The regulation rules that Indonesia may import live cattle only from countries which have been declared free from the foot and mouth disease, Pangestu said.

Australia suspended for six months exports of live cattle to Indonesia over alleged violation of animal welfare by Indonesian abattoirs.

Pangestu said the government is looking for alternative sources of supplies, adding the government needs to diversify sources of supplies. She said the US is already studying possibilities of live cattle exports to Indonesia.

She also said the export suspension by Australia causes no immediate problem as the country has sufficient stock. The country still has stock of 150,000 live cows imported from Australia from January to May, she added.