December 17, 2010

Australian exports to Chile rebound in 2010

Australian beef exports to Chile during the first 11 months of 2010 increased 162% on-year, to 4,462 tonnes.

Although on-year exports increased significantly, they are still below the 9,830 tonnes of Australian beef shipped in 2008.

The on-year rise in exports is mainly due to the recovery in demand and prices, which reached a record average CIF import price of US$5,068/tonne during the period. The factor which assists the demand for Australian beef is the decrease in shipments from Argentina and dearer supplies from other traditional suppliers, such as Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

The main Australian cuts exported to this market in 2010 were thick flank/knuckle (30%), blade (15%), silverside outside (10%), topside/inside (10%), and chuck roll (7%).