December 7, 2009

Australia's beef exports to South Korea down 12 percent

During January to November this year, Australian beef exports to South Korea declined 12 percent on-year.

Frozen volumes to South Korea dropped 17 percent while chilled beef products increased four percent from last year. Chilled grassfed exports grew 32 percent on-year, reflecting a shift from eating out to cooking at home.

Exports increased in the second half of the year, ahead of Chuseok, the Korean Harvest Festival.

In November, Australia exported 10,338 tonnes swt of beef to South Korea, down 25 percent on-year despite steady importer demand. The decline was attributed to the high Australian dollar and tight supply.