July 10, 2007

Australia sets record for 2006/07 beef exports

The figures from the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), show that Australian beef exports finished the 2006/07 fiscal year at a record high 973,880 tonnes (shipped weight), 3 percent higher than the previous record of 947,865 tonnes set in 2004/05.

Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) said the hike were largely due to an increased supply of cattle, as drought conditions forced producers to increase turnoff. The strong demand from Japan and Korea were also a factor. 

However, the continuing strong demand from both Japan and Korea was also a factor.

MLA says shipments for the year rose in Australia's main beef export markets, led by Japan as it increased its purchase by 4 percent to 403,170 tonnes - the second highest level on record.

Japan continues to be Australia's largest beef export market, receiving 41 percent of total exports during 2006/07.

South Korea's demand for Australian beef strengthened in 2006/07 as talks to fully accept US beef still continues.

Exports to South Korea for 2006/07 was an all time high of 156,703 tonnes, up 29 percent on 2005/06.