June 25, 2010
Australia's May beef exports to Asia improve
Australian beef exports in May to South-east Asia and China during May increased 13% from April to 10,172 tonnes swt.
May shipments remained 2% lower compared with May 2009, affected by falls in exports to Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand. Meanwhile, trade to Taiwan, Philippines and Malaysia continued an upward trend.
Over the calendar year to May, beef exports to South-east Asia and China decreased 3% on-year, to 44,954 tonnes swt, after being affected by tight supplies earlier this year. Manufacturing beef remained the most popular cut exported to the region during the period, with total shipments staying at 15,325 tonnes swt.
Shin shank, the second most popular cut to South-east Asia and China increased 6% on-year during January to May, to 8,218 tonnes swt, due entirely to strong enquiries from Taiwan and mainland China.
Beef blade shipments fell 18% on last year to 3,440 tonnes swt, although remained the third popular cut shipped to the region - competition from South Korea for blade/clod affected consignments to Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
Looking ahead, beef exports to South-east Asia and China is expected to continue to face competition from other Australian markets, including Russia, although improved supply and the stabilised Australian dollar may facilitate trade to the region.
