October 11, 2010

Australian live cattle exports jump in August

Live cattle exports from Australia rebounded in August, up 24% on-year with 81,477 cattle shipped, despite some unseasonally wet weather occurring throughout northern Australia.

Total exports for the year to date now stand at 566,241 head, up 1% on 2009 figures.

Indonesia continues to dominate as the largest market for live cattle, with a 66% market share.

However, monthly volumes in August were down 33% on a year earlier due to recent restrictions on both the weight and number of cattle allowed to enter Indonesia, with 40,948 head shipped.

A number of other markets also showed strong growth in August, helping to offset any impact of the above restrictions.

China took 8,801 head over the month, Egypt 5,350 head, Israel 8,663 head and Jordan 9,328 head.