September 15, 2005

Australian cattle exports fall four percent from January to July 2005

Australian cattle exports fell four percent to 360,281 head from January to July 2005, compared with the same period the previous year, Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) said.

Indonesia was a major importer of Australian cattle in July this year at 29,648 head, or just over 45 percent of total exports for the month. Total Australian cattle exports in July registered 65,772 head.

However, MLA said exports to Malaysia fell by 16 percent in July to 7,400 head, compared with the same period the previous year.

MLA added that the approaching Muslim Ramadan period and end of the fasting celebration Eid-ul-fitr in early November, traditionally increased Australian live cattle demand in major Muslim markets, especially Indonesia.

However, NLA also expected current high oil prices and shipping rates, and the strong Australian dollar to affect consumer spending to a certain extent.