October 5, 2007

Australian beef exports fall in September

Australian beef exports tightened during September, as lower beef production, subdued demand from major markets and a rising Australian dollar all contributed to reduced shipments. according to Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).

Exports for September totalled 72,618 tonnes swt - down 14 percent on the same time last year and 8 percent lower than the previous month , according to the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Exports to Japan were down 12 percent on August and 18 percent on September 2006, to 26,739 tonnes swt.

The drop was mainly due to the higher Australian dollar and increased competition from the US.

Demand from Korea was also weaker during September, as importers finished ordering for the Korean Chuseok festival. Exports to South Korea dropped 25 percent on the same period last year, to 10,365 tonnes swt.

Shipments to the US for September eased 4 percent, to 25,078 tonnes swt, as the strength of the Australian dollar continued to restrain export returns and demand for Australian manufacturing beef.

In South-East Asia/Chinas, demand for Australian beef remained firm, with shipments to the region rising 4 percent on the same period last year, to 6,233 tonnes swt.

Exports to Indonesia was particular strong, an 11-percent increase, to 2,664 tonnes swt, but volumes to Taiwan dropped 19 percent, to 1,877 tonnes swt.

Total Australian beef exports during the first nine months of 2007 are 1 percent above the same period last year, at 694,002 tonnes swt, assisted by higher beef production.