November 12, 2010

Australian beef exports to Asia drops in October

Australian beef exports to Southeast Asia and Greater China during October fell 23% compared with the same time last year, to 10,810 tonnes slaughter weight, a 20% fall from the previous month.

Reduced cattle supply following good weather conditions, the high Australian dollar, and demand cooling off after Ramadan all contributed to the fall in shipments during October.

Indonesia, Taiwan, and the Philippines continued to be the three main markets for Australian beef in the region. Shipments to Indonesia during October fell 33% on-year, to 4,106 tonnes swt, down 37% from the record set in September. Exports to the Philippines also decreased 28% during the same period, while trade to Taiwan declined 13% on a year ago, as the Australian dollar placed pressure on Australia's competitiveness.

There was a fall in the volume of most cuts to the region in October, including manufacturing (down 19% year-on-year), shin shank (down 18%), blade (down 14%), and knuckle (down 23%).

Australian beef exports to Southeast Asia and Greater China during the 10 months to October increased 5% compared with the same period in 2009, at 108,367 tonnes swt. Over this 10 month period, chilled shipments rose 7% and grainfed volumes remained 32% above year ago levels.