October 18, 2004

Australian Beef Exporters May Not Fill US Quota

Australian beef exporters appear unlikely to fill the quota to the United States this year, even though exports are at record levels.

Meat and Livestock Australia estimated Australian beef exports to the US in September at 36,733 tons. The figure was 6 per cent higher than last year and a record for September.

MLA chief market analyst Peter Weeks said Australia was still too far behind in meeting the quota of 378,214 tons. Australian exporters filled the quota last year but failed to hit the mark in 2002.