March 21, 2024

Australian cattle shipments in February hit by permit delays, recovery expected

In February, Australian cattle shipments amounted to 23,021 head, reflecting a 56% decrease compared to the rolling five-year average for the month, Beef Central reported.

The decline was primarily due to the delayed release of 2024 cattle import permits by Indonesia, a major market, which occurred on February 16.

Most cattle shipments in February, totalling 14,799 head, were destined for Indonesia via three ports: Darwin, Fremantle, and Townsville. Shipments to Vietnam, amounting to 4202 head from Townsville, were 51% below the five-year average for February. Other destinations included the Philippines, importing 2282 cattle, and Brunei with 819 head.

With the permit delays in January and February impacting supply, northern shipping activity is now accelerating in March. The Dalrymple Saleyards in Charters Towers estimate processing up to 40,000 cattle through the pre-export quarantine facility this month.

Shipping records indicate that a significant number of livestock carriers have already loaded cattle for Indonesia at ports such as Townsville, Darwin, and Broome in March. This surge is attributed to Indonesian feedlots restocking for the ongoing Ramadan period and the forthcoming end-of-fasting feasting period in early April.

-      Beef Central