Australian cattle exports totalled 60,451 head in September according to latest monthly export data released by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry this week.

Picture courtesy NTLEA.

The total included exports of 22,836 head to Indonesia.

While that is 35 percent below the five-year monthly average for September exports to Indonesia, it was higher than expected in light of the temporary suspension of cattle imports from several northern yards over Lumpy Skin Disease testing issues until September 9.

Exports to Vietnam eased in September to a total of 10,163 head, down from 13,947 head in August and 20,688 head in July.

After zero activity in August, cattle exports to China rebounded to 13,765 head in September, the second highest monthly total of the year.

Shipments to Israel totalled 10,972 head in September, bringing the year-to-date total to 45,326, the highest level in four years.

September exports also included 1695 head to the Philippines and 1020 head to Malaysia.

Darwin exported 18,302 head in September, followed by 13,765 from Portland, 10,972 from Fremantle, 6555 from Townsville, 5585 from Wyndham and 5270 from Broome.