Another record for Australian beef export value in 2006

AUSTRALIA - Australian beef exports in 2006 were valued at a record A$4.9 billion, an increase of 4% on 2005 levels (Australian Bureau of Statistics). The growth in export returns for the year was largely due to increased beef shipments and a 1% rise in the value per tonne shipped, to an average A$4,650/tonne

8 February 2007

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Oceania

In 2006, 88% of the value of Australia’s beef and veal exports was obtained from three destinations – Japan (46%), the US (25%) and Korea (17%). Korea contributed the most to the rise in the value of exports for the year, as the demand for Australian beef remained strong following the continued absence of US beef from the market. Australian beef exports to Korea in 2006 were valued at A$827 million – up 35% on 2005 levels, averaging A$4,710/tonne.

Australian beef exports to the US for 2006 were valued at A$1.21 billion. While shipments to the US were back slightly for the year, the average value per tonne increased 7% on 2005 levels, to A$3,900/tonne.

The value of Australian beef exports to Japan for 2006 eased back 6% on 2005 levels, to A$2.2 billion. Contributing to the decline for the year was a 3% drop in the average returns, to A$5,120/tonne.

Beef shipment values to Eastern Europe, especially Russia, escalated in 2006, with returns increasing 27%, to A$62 million. The EU and South America had difficulties supplying the huge Russian market in 2006, increasing demand for Australian beef.

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