Australian beef exports to North America were 55 per cent higher compared to last year during April 2015, as the price of imported beef in the USA is still high
Meat and Livestock Australia reported that shipments to the USA were at 38,612 tonnes this year and exports to Canada were 98 per cent higher to Canada at 3,843 tonnes, according to figures from the Australia’s department of agriculture.
The exports to the USA were higher across almost every category — chilled, frozen, grass-fed, grain-fed, and most individual cuts. The largest sector — manufacturing beef — was 47 per cent higher, at 25,872 tonnes, while there was considerable growth in chilled inside, thin flank and outside, and frozen thin flank and outside.
Chilled steak cuts including cube roll, striploin, tenderloin and rump all recorded year-on-year growth of over 90 per cent, at volumes over 400 tonnes in each category. All of the growth in beef exports to Canada was in manufacturing beef a rise of 143 per cent to 3,197 tonnes.
Canada remains in a tight supply situation, with their herd having run down over the last five years, and large volumes of feeder cattle and cows being trucked to the USA. This has resulted in fewer cattle and less beef available for domestic consumption.
For the year-to-date, Australia’s exports to the USA of 144,271 tonnes and Canada 14,452 tonnes, are both well ahead of last year.
