December 10, 2010

Australian beef exports to Asia remain strong

Australian beef exports to Southeast Asia and Greater China during November increased 19% from the previous month and 7% compared with the same time last year, to 12,917 tonnes slaughter weight.

Assisting the trade to the region during November was increased supply and strong importer enquiries in preparation for the up coming Christmas and New Year, when most Australian processing plants will be shut. This was despite the Australian dollar appreciating against the US dollar and most currencies in the region during November.

Shipments to Southeast Asia and Greater China over the calendar year to November increased 5% on-year, totalling 121,284 tonnes swt, attributed largely to rises in exports to Malaysia (up 43%), Philippines (up 16%), China (up 8%), and Thailand (up 17%). Exports to Indonesia and Singapore during the 11 months to November remained steady, while the volume sent to Hong Kong decreased 6%.

Of the total beef exports to the region during January to November, manufacturing beef accounted for 37%, followed by shin shank (16%), and blade (8%).