October 9, 2008

In August, Australian live cattle exports hit a new record high this year, supported by strong demand from Indonesia, Libya and Saudi Arabia.

Robust demand from those markets offset the declining demand in Malaysia and the Philippines. Exports in August reached 87,808 head, the highest monthly volume since August 2007's 93,797 head, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Australia exported 65,000 head to Indonesia, which pushed total exports in the first eight months of 2008 to 405,000 head, up 10 percent on-year. Exports in 2008 are expected to hit 550,000 head.

Libya imported 9,711 head, with total imports reaching 28,375 head. Australia shipped 4,013 head to Saudi Arabia, the highest monthly volume since September 2006.

Live cattle exports to Malaysia fell 47 percent on-year to 5,408 head, while no cattle were shipped to the Philippines for the second consecutive month.