Live Exports Charging Out from Australia
AUSTRALIA - Australian live cattle exports had a fast start to 2008, with shipments for January up 28% year-on-year. Total exports for the month reached 62,458 head, with volumes continuing to be underpinned by strong demand from Indonesia (Australian Bureau of Statistics).
After receiving a record number of Australian cattle during 2007, at 520,000 head, the strong demand from Indonesia continued into 2008, reports Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA). Shipments to Indonesia for January reached 41,154 head – the highest January on record and 34% above January 2007 (30,611 head). Exports for the month were valued at A$24 million FOB.
Cattle shipments to other markets throughout January were varied, with increased volumes to Israel (12,454 head), Japan (1,833 head) Saudi Arabia (2,000 head) and Pakistan (1,228 head). In contrast, no shipments for January were recorded to either Malaysia or the Philippines – markets that have taken significant volumes of Australian cattle in previous years.
TheCattleSite News Desk