Live exports

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MLA Market Information produces the monthly Livelink publication which presents statistical trends on the live export industry.

Highlights from the latest Livelink

Australian live sheep exports were virtually steady during the first quarter of 2012, at 556,322 head (Australian Bureau of Statistics). The steady opening three months keeps the trade on track to record similar numbers to last year for 2012, with the greater availability of sheep likely to be offset by auditable procedures under the new live export regulations.
Shipments to Kuwait were 12% lower than the first quarter of 2011, at 189,997 head, while other key markets increased significantly, including Qatar (up 32%, to 120,017 head) and Bahrain (up 87%, to 112,000 head).

Quick facts

Australian live sheep exports totalled 2,458,448 head in 2011, valued at A$328 million. Total exports for the year were back 17% on 2010.
The Middle East took over 99% of Australian sheep exports for the year.
Kuwait remained the largest market for Australian sheep in 2011, taking 956,642 head, down 11% on 2010 – valued at A$123 million.
Western Australia was again the largest export state for sheep, shipping 1,702,558 head, valued at A$221 million. Victoria (481,299 head) was the second largest export state in 2011, followed by South Australia (273,267 head).

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