Australia leads in beef exports

Australia was the largest beef exporter in the world during the first eight months of 2011 and is set to become the world’s top exporter for the year.

During the eight-month period, Australia exported 611,605t, followed by the US (592,558t) and Brazil (537,727t).

US beef exports increased by 28% compared with last year as a result of several factors, such as lower consumer market demand, higher beef production and increased price competitiveness due to the weaker dollar.

Brazil beef exports declined due to strong domestic demand among the rising Brazilian middle class.

Australian beef exports were 81,965t and Brazilian were 76,863t in the month of September, but the figures for US exports were unavailable.

With Australia expected to increase its beef exports in October and November, it is most likely to become the world’s largest beef exporter for the year, according to a report by Meat and Livestock Australia.

This possibility is strongly supported by the United States Department of Agriculture forecasts: according to these, beef production for the fourth quarter of 2011 is expected to decline by 4% compared with the previous quarter.