August 20, 2010

Beef exports to Middle East climb 58% for 2010

Beef exports to the Middle East have risen 58% on-year to 11,623 tonnes for the year to July.

In July, beef exports to the Middle East increased 42% on the same month last year to 2,061 tonnes swt. Egypt and Jordan contributed the main volume increases.

Egypt climbed from 122 tonnes in July 2009 to 508 tonnes (up 315%), with the main cuts being carcases, forequarters and legs for use in a variety of dishes, including kebab style 'kofta'. Jordan moved from 53 tonnes in July 2009 to 215 tonnes in 2010, buoyed mainly by topside/inside.

Australian volumes declined 32% on-year to Saudi Arabia from 348 tonnes in 2009 to 236 tonnes this year, mainly because of a fall in manufacturing volumes.

Export volumes to the UAE also fell slightly from 422 tonnes to 355 tonnes or 16%, also mainly due to manufacturing decrease and increased competition from Indian buffalo. However, the UAE retains the largest spread of cuts of all Middle East countries, providing in effect a buffer compared to those countries that are one or two cut-specific.