Australia: Cattle exports increased by 22%

The Indonesian government temporarily suspended four EXPORT quarantine sites in July and the suspension was only lifted earlier this month, meaning export volumes were impacted by access issues for the entire month of August. Despite this, 24,470 HEAD of cattle were exported to Indonesia during the month, according to the Ministry of Agriculture .

The closure of quarantine sites has clearly impacted export volumes, with exports down 32% compared to July, while over the past few years exports have remained stable or increased between July and August. However, exports were still up 13% from August last year, in line with the robust growth seen in 2023.

Exports to Vietnam in August rose 224% year-on-year to 13,947 head, the second-highest volume exported to the market this year. Cattle exports to Vietnam this year have significantly exceeded 2022 levels, and Vietnam has consistently been the second largest market for Australian live cattle since April.

The change in trade patterns has underpinned an increase in breeding stock exports, accounting for 27% of total exports to Vietnam this year, the largest share of total exports ever. This has led to a corresponding decline in feedlot cattle exports, which account for 9% of the total this year compared to 27% in 2022, while slaughter cattle continue to make up the majority of cattle exports at 64% of the total export volume.

Live exports were strong in 2023 compared to 2022, but still below historical averages. In 2022, the number of cattle available for export was limited as the herd recovery was well underway and on-farm maintenance was very high.

The situation is changing as the herd recovers and the number of cattle increases. The increase in live exports shows that demand for cattle is strong and that, provided market access continues, exports could recover as numbers increase.