August 10, 2007

Australia's 2006/07 live cattle exports up 18 percent

Live cattle exports from Australia have increased by 18 percent in the 2006/07 fiscal year due mostly to record shipments to Indonesia in June.  Shipments for 2006/07 were the highest for three years, at 676,797 head - valued at A$497 million (US$420.48 million) FOB (freight-on-board) according to Australian Bureau of Statistics. Exports for June increased 51 percent on the 2006, to 101,095 head - the sixth highest month on record, reports the statistics.

Cattle exports to Indonesia for 2006/07 increased 26 percent from the previous year, to a record of 452,117 head, with a record monthly total of 84,579 head sent during June. The increase was due to strong consumer demand and increased investment in Indonesian feedlots, along with a steady supply of suitable cattle out of northern Australia. The Indonesian import rise is considered impressive when considering the A$ appreciated 13 percent against the Indonesian Rupiah throughout the year. Exports for the year were valued at a record A$303 million.

Israel was Australia's second largest market for live cattle in 200607, followed by Malaysia. Shipments to Israel for the year increased 25 percent, to 54,432 head, while Malaysia received 52,247 head - up 16 percent. Regular markets Saudi Arabia (26,180 head) and Kuwait (4,368 head) have also posted increases for the year.

Demand from the Philippines however weakened with shipments for 2006/07 falling back a further 18 percent, to 14,016 head. In mid-90s, the Philippine market consistently received in excess of 200,000 head, peaking at 262,662 head in 1998-99.

Exports to Japan for 2006/07 also fell by 10 percent, to 21,544 head. Shipments to China (12,017 head) and Mexico (9,770 head) also slipped 16 and 57 percent, respectively.