July 7, 2014

 

Australia's beef exports to EU reach highest during 2013-14

 

 

Australia's beef exports to the EU during the 2013-14 fiscal year have reached the highest level since 1997-98.

 

Australia exported a total of 22,879 tonnes of beef to the EU for the fiscal year, up 30% on the previous fiscal year.

 

MLA reports strong growth in grainfed shipments have been the catalyst for the surge, increasing 68% on-year to 14,663 tonnes, a new record for grainfed exports to the EU.

 

In contrast, grassfed beef exports declined slightly on-year to 8217 tonnes.

 

Still, exports under the Hilton Quota increased 9.6% for the same period, demonstrating the importance of the EU as a high value market for Australian high quality grassfed beef.

 

The UK has historically been the largest beef market in the EU for Australia and remained the case in 2013-14, accounting for 48% of total exports.

 

However, the ongoing growth in grainfed beef shipments made possible a diversification in Australia's beef markets in the EU with exports to Italy up 67.5% in 2013-14, to 5317 tonnes with grainfed shipments representing 75% of the total.

 

Shipments to the Netherlands rose 33% to 4,414 tonnes, comprising mainly grainfed beef.

 

Boosted by the rise on grainfed exports, the Australian beef cut mix heading to the EU expanded in 2013-14.

 

Besides the growing shipments of loin cuts, deliveries of blade rose 79.5% on-year to 1,801 tonnes, and chuck roll at 55% (1,657 tonnes).

 

Australia's utilisation of its EU 'Hilton' beef quota improved in 2013-14, with utilisation at 99%, up from 90% in 2012-13.

 

Australia has an annual allocation of 7150 tonnes, with 7061 tonnes shipped in 2013-14.