October 5, 2006

Australian beef exports to South Korea up 26 percent on-year

Australian beef exports to South Korea in September was up 26 percent on-year, with 13,869 tonnes shipped for the month.

Chilled exports reached 2,914 tonnes for the month, with grainfed exports totaling 4,811 tonnes.

The absence of US beef from the market, despite the lifting of the ban, and South Korea's Thanksgiving period in early October provided for the main thrust in sales.

Exports for the first nine months of 2006 rose 34 percent over the same period last year to reach was at 102,115 tonnes.

Beef demand is expected to remain strong through to Lunar New Year in mid-February next year provided the current impasse between South Korea and the US continues.

While South Korea maintains a zero tolerance policy for bones in US shipments, US exporters are appealing for a less literal interpretation of the rule to allow bone fragments.