December 20, 2013

In November, South Korea's import of Australian frozen beef hit their highest level since March 2011, according to Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).

MLA said Australia exported 14,934 tonnes swt of beef and veal to Korea last month, 12,673 tonnes of which was frozen. Total exports for the first 11 months of the year hit 128,149 tonnes swt, which exceeded the total annual volume achieved last year.

In November, chick roll exports to the country were up 9% on-year, bringing volumes for the first 11 months to 34,598 tonnes swt. Brisket shipments were up 13% on-year for the month, while short rib exports rose 8%. Manufacturing beef exports were down 4% on-year, but were 32% higher than in the previous month.

The figures reflect an overall increase in Korea's beef imports. According to data from the Korean International Trade Association, the country imported 27,795 tonnes swt of beef in October, up 12% on-year. Chilled and frozen beef imports increased by 11% and 13% respectively.

Meanwhile, Australian beef and veal exports to Indonesia were up 16% on-year in November at 6,140 tonnes swt - the highest volume shipped to the country since 2011.

Manufacturing beef remained the most popular cut shipped to Indonesia, although volumes were down 22% on-year at 2,360 tonnes swt. However, blade and thick flank/knuckle cuts increased "substantially" by 1,218% and 1,507% respectively.