26 August 2010

2 minute read

Australian beef exports to South East Asia and Greater China during 2009-10 jumped 20 per cent on the previous year to a record 131,292 tonnes swt. Although Australian exports were predominantly driven by the demand for manufacturing beef (Indonesia and Philippines) and alternative cuts (Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, China and Hong Kong), increased volumes of chilled and grainfed beef were also shipped to the region, reports Meat and Livestock Australia.

While relatively high prices remained the key constraint to US beef in South East Asia, shipments of US beef to Greater China (China, Hong Kong and Taiwan) continued to surge. During 2009-10, US beef exports to South East Asia and Greater China increased 33 per cent to 118,899 tonnes swt - the highest volume on record.

Over the 12 months to June, New Zealand also exported 21 per cent more beef to the region, reaching 76,060 tonnes swt, with large volumes of manufacturing beef sent to Indonesia and the Philippines.

Despite total beef exports from Brazil remaining unchanged during 2009-10, shipments to the region increased 12 per cent compared with 2008-09, attributed entirely to the trade to Hong Kong. This is despite subdued trade to Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines - the three main markets for Brazil in South East Asia.

Beef exports from other countries, such as India (July to March) and Canada, to South East Asia and Greater China during 2009-10 also experienced strong growth, with the momentum expected to continue into the near future.

TheCattleSite News Desk