China drives mutton record
The increased flow of Australian mutton into export markets so far in 2013 continued during October, reports Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).
Mutton exports for the month reached 18,006 tones swt, up 45 per cent, or 5,546 tones year-on-year – the third highest monthly export volume on record.
Greater China continued to drive mutton demand in October, accounting for 49pc of total Australian mutton exports, at 8,904 tones swt, underpinned by record exports to China, up 141pc or 4,073 tones year-on-year, to 6,962 tones swt, respectively.
Mutton exports to South East Asia have also been at record levels so far in 2013, sustained by October shipments, up 27pc year-on-year, to 1,996 tones swt, led by shipments to Malaysia and Singapore, at 1,124 tones swt and 807 tones swt respectively.
Traditionally, the Middle East has been Australia’s largest mutton export market, representing 35pc of market share in October 2012. However, exports to the Middle East have steadily declined throughout 2013, accounting for 14pc of total Australian mutton exports in October, at 2,593 tones swt – back 40pc year-on-year and 29pc on the five-year average.
Reportedly, Chinese importers have been paying up to 80c/kg more for Australian four-way mutton than the Middle East, seeing China dominate the market.
Michael Boddington from Asian Agribusiness Consulting (AAC) has been involved in agribusiness in Asia since 2000. AAC has office both in Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City and China Beijing. So AAC has a thorough understanding of the Viet Nam and China aqua industry and produces up-to-date research reports on the market. We can offer insights on supply and demand trends and comments on the future structure of Asian agribusiness. If you would like to know more please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Source: http://www.stockandland.com.au/news/agriculture/sheep/meat/china-drives-mutton-record/2677512.aspx