October 19, 2012

Australia's beef exports to South East Asia on 11% drop for September 2012

Australia's beef and veal exports to South East Asia has dropped 11% on-year in September 2012, to 6,803 tonnes - with total shipments to the region for the January - September 2012 period, back 4%, at 61,003 tonnes.

Comprising of Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, most of the decline to the regions so far in 2012 can be assigned to Indonesia - down 31% on-year, or almost 9,000 tonnes, totalling 19,771 tonnes.

Demand from the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam was strong throughout the past month, with shipments to the Philippines for September increasing 39% on-year, to 2,609 tonnes. Exports to Singapore and Vietnam rose to 1,223 tonnes (up 92% on-year) and 170 tonnes (up 64% on-year), respectively.

In contrast, exports to Indonesia for the past month were back 51% on-year, to 1,644 tonnes. Shipments to Malaysia and Thailand also declined during the month, to 1,031 tonnes (down 27% on-year) and 125 tonnes (down 43% on-year), respectively.

Despite the 11% decline in total exports during September, demand for manufacturing beef from the region was sustained, with shipments 16% higher on-year, at 4,644 tonnes. The increase in manufacturing beef was largely registered across 1,635 tonnes and 1,521 tonnes, with manufacturing beef exports accounting for 68% of the total beef and veal shipments to the region in September.