January 14, 2013

Australia sees 41% drop in beef exports to Russia

Australia's beef exports to Russia in 2012 was 32,162 tonnes, a decline of 41% on 2011, at 32,162 tonnes.

After two strong years for Australian beef shipments into the Russian market, 2012 saw a combination of factors contribute to a slower year.

A significant depreciation in the Brazilian exchange rate, cheap product coming out of Paraguay, and resurgence in Australian manufacturing beef exports to the US manifested in reduced volumes to Russia.

Australian chilled beef exports to Russia throughout 2012 totalled 1,109 tonnes, a 9% increase on 2011 and 11% above the five year average of 998 tonnes.

Australian chilled product competes for the most part with US product in the high end steakhouse market. Russian imports of chilled US beef in 2012, January to September, totalled 816 tonnes, while imports from Australia for the same time period stood at 768 tonnes.