The Northern Territory Livestock Exporters Association says livestock shipments are operating at full steam ahead in the NT with five vessels in the Darwin harbour ready to be loaded.

An estimated 50,000 feeder and slaughter cattle will be loaded in Darwin, destined for Indonesian and Vietnam markets, during December. This includes around 33,000 cattle sourced from NT producers, which the NTLEA says will return revenue of more than $32 million to the wider economy.

Recently appointed NTLEA chairman Andrew Gray said the same vessels will be returning to transport further shipments prior to the end of December.

“These exports are a real boost for the Northern Territory, valuable dollars put into the economy before Christmas,” Mr Gray said.

Mr Gray said the large volume of cattle shipped through the Port of Darwin mirrors last December’s record activity which followed the resumption of trade with Indonesia and stood as a testament to the ongoing efforts of the NTLEA and the supply chain as whole to meet market requirements.

“The livestock export industry is regaining market confidence with demand for stock being secured based on the strong relationships the livestock exporters have developed over several years.

“Exporters continue to make significant investment into overseas markets where improvements to abattoirs, feedlots and training is supporting and strengthening that confidence.

“Implementation of the Export Supply Chain Assurance System backed up by training and audits is continuing to help build a sound export supply chain that is engendering trust between buyers and suppliers.

“This goodwill, as demonstrated in this month of shipments, is flowing back to the pastoral industry with the livestock exporters engaging with properties throughout northern Australia to fill these orders.”

Source: NTLEA