Live cattle exports lower as supplies tighten

Highlighted in the latest edition of LiveLink, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) have reported a 21% decline in live feeder and slaughter cattle exports for the January to July period – at 628,635 head.

Retaining the position as Australia’s largest market for live cattle (feeder and slaughter cattle), shipments to Indonesia for the January to July period totalled 345,513 head – down 15% on the corresponding period the year prior. Reports suggest Indonesian feedlots have recently started to apply for trimester three (September-December) import permits.

Additionally, shipments to Vietnam (feeder, slaughter and breeder cattle) were estimated at just over 138,300 head for the January to July period – back 46% on the same time last year. Interestingly, live cattle (breeder) exports to China so far this year have reached just over 45,200 head – up 64% year-on-year – driven by an increase in demand for beef breeders.

Reduced northern cattle availability and strong competition throughout physical markets saw live export indicators continue to move higher in July:

• Delivered to Darwin, live export feeder steers averaged 335¢, up 11¢ month-on-month. Prices have continued to strengthen in August – reaching as high as 345¢/kg lwt.
• Delivered to Townsville, live export feeder steers gained 9¢ month-on-month, averaging 315¢ in July.

To view the latest edition of the LiveLink, please click here.