December 2, 2011
Global supply stimulates beef exports to South Asia
Between January and October, strong demand in the region and increased supply has driven beef exports to South East Asia (SEA) and Greater China (GC) from major suppliers in the world.
As a result, shipments from Australia, the US, Canada and India increased compared with 12 months ago. Meanwhile, Brazilian and New Zealand volumes to the region decreased.
Indian beef exports to the region during the 12 months to April 2011 increased 11% on-year to 248,691 tonnes. Although having continued to fill the majority of demand for low-priced beef imports in SEA & GC, India has shifted its export focus from SEA & GC to other markets in the 12 months to April 2011. About 35% of total Indian beef exports were shipped to SEA & GC during this period compared with the 45% registered a year ago.
US beef exports to SEA & GC during the first nine months of 2011 were lifted by the weak US$, and increased 17% on-year, to 100,703 tonnes. The US sent about 15% of its total beef exports to SEA & GC during this period. Canadian beef exports to the region during January to September 2011 increased 17% on-year, to 16,592 tonnes, although relatively small compared to shipments from other countries.
Brazilian beef exports to the region from January to October decreased 8% on-year, to 70,108 tonnes, directly influenced by the ongoing high prices and strong Brazilian domestic demand. About 10% of Brazilian beef exports were shipped to SEA & GC during this period. New Zealand also exported 17% less beef to SEA & GC during January to October, at 55,389 tonnes, following a fall in total exports.
Following a 5% rise in Australian shipments to the region over the 10 months to October 2011, to 114,073 tonnes, exports of Australian beef to SEA & GC over the first four weeks of November have proven strong, totalling almost 15,000 tonnes. As buyers prepare for the coming seasonal high consumption period, the Australian beef trade with the region is expected to reach a new record in 2011.
