October 1, 2010
Indonesia ramps up cattle imports
Northern Australian beef producers have increased shipments of live cattle to Indonesia recently, a sign that the country is easing its import restrictions in the wake of tightening supplies.
The Indonesian government limited the number of live export cattle earlier in the year. Stock over 350 kilogrammes have been banned and the number of import permits has been slashed by almost 300,000 head.
However, a change is in sight. Steve Meerwald from live exporter Wellards, for instance, had sent 15,000 head from Darwin to Indonesia in the last two weeks and has more orders scheduled.
"They're rapidly going to run out of meat," he added.
The country has imported boxed beef and feedlot cattle to fill the shortfall of demand.
