September 2, 2013

After Chinese beef imports for the month broke another record, Australia became the largest beef and sheep meat supplier to China in July.

Meat and Livestock Australia reports total Chinese beef imports for July reached 26,183 tonnes shipped weight, with China increasing its intake of Australian beef for the month at 13,452 tonnes shipped weight.

China's interest for chilled beef was particularly high during July, with the volume exceeding over 2,000 tonnes shipped weight for the first time ever at 2,375 tonnes shipped weight.

Australia's imported beef market share in China increased to 51% in July, up from 29% in July 2012.

Along with Australia, imports from Uruguay registered the greatest volume on record in July, at 7,078 tonnes shipped weight, while New Zealand remained the third largest supplier to China, at 3,679 tonnes shipped weight, despite a 39% fall on the previous month.

Out of total sheep meat supplies to China during July, at 13,371 tonnes shipped weight, Australia supplied the largest volumes at 8,525 tonnes with its market share reaching 64% of total monthly imports.

In contrast, China imported 4,509 tonnes (or 34% of total imports) from New Zealand during July - down 30% on-year.

Supported by strong demand for Australian red meat (beef and sheep meat) during July, China's imports of Australian product totalled 21,977 tonnes, the second highest volume on record, which accounted for 56% of July's total imports, up from 39% in July 2012.