July 10, 2006

 

Australia beef exports lower in 2005-06

 

 

Australia's beef exports for the 2005-06 fiscal year of 892,000 tonnes was 6 percent lower than levels in 2004-05, reflecting lower beef supply and a slight weakening in export demand. 

 

Beef exports for June also fell 6 percent on-year to 83,200, according to figures from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

 

Australia exported 83,200 tonnes of beef and veal in June.

 

Japan, the US and South Korea, Australia's three main beef export markets , accounted for 90 percent of the country's total beef shipments.

 

Although the figure was up from 79 percent in 2002-03 (before Japan banned US beef) it was down slightly from the 92 percent achieved in 2004-05.

 

Japan accounted for 43 percent of beef exports (remaining unchanged from 2004-05), the US 33 percent (down from 39 percent in 2004-05) and South Korea 14 percent (up from 10 percent).

 

Exports of beef to Japan was down 6 percent on-year.

 

Fiscal year 2005-06 exports were the second highest on record, at 388,000 tonnes, down 7 percent on 2004-05.

 

The declines were attributed to an oversupply earlier in the year, uncertainty over the return of US beef and a fall in the numbers of grassfed steers.

 

Australia's beef shipments to the US in June fell 29 percent on-year, at 27,200 tonnes.

 

Exports for 2005-06 reached its lowest level since 1998-1999, falling 19 percent lower to reach 296,000 tonnes. Reduced cow slaughter in Australia, increased supplies in the US and lower demand were cited as causes for the declines.

 

June beef exports to South Korea reached 11,800 tonnes - the highest June record and 68 percent above June 2005 levels. Shipments for the year to June 2006 were a record 121,000 tonnes, 33 percent above 2004-05. The increase was attributed to delays in expected US beef imports.