Red meat exports tip 100,000 tonnes for May 2013

Australian red meat exports have reached a record high, with the monthly total for May exceeding 100,000 tonnes for the first time. Joe Ludwig, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and Craig Emerson, Minister for Trade and Competitiveness, attribute the numbers to soaring demand from China and the Middle East.

According to figures from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), more than 103,200 tonnes of veal and beef were shipped in May. The figure eclipses the previous monthly record of 94,693 tonnes in November 2006 and is 19% higher than exports in May 2012.

The largest export increase was to China, which took almost 11,500 tonnes - a 15-fold increase on May 2012. DAFF predicts China will import 100,000 tonnes of Australian beef and veal by the end of 2013.

The Middle East imported nearly 16,500 tonnes of beef and veal from Australia in May 2013 - a 46% increase on May 2012 and 7% higher than the previous market record of April 2013.

Many Australian meat processors are working at full capacity to meet the rising demand, Ludwig and Emerson said. According to Ludwig, while some graziers are struggling at present, the emerging trend testifies to the success of Australia’s meat industry.

“Food produced in Australia has a global reputation for its high quality,” Ludwig said. “This is exactly the time to be investing more to capitalise on opportunities in new markets.

“Widening the range of export destinations for red meat makes Australian producers less vulnerable to market fluctuations around the world.”