Official livestock shipping figures for the year ended June 30 illustrate the results of exporter efforts to diversify markets in response to quota cutbacks by Indonesia.

Export data from for the 2012-13 financial year, released yesterday, shows that shipments to the South East Asian markets of Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam grew by 93 percent, 55pc and 1004pc respectively over the 12 month period.

Exports to Malaysia were up from 19,963 cattle in 2011-12 to 38,548 in 2012-13, the Philippines grew from 23,903 to 36,978 and shipments to Vietnam surged from just 1441 cattle in 2011-12 to 15,903 in 2012-13.

Exporters have told Beef Central that the growth into South East Asia has been driven not only by Indonesia’s quota cutbacks and lower prices for northern cattle but also significant reductions in domestic herds throughout the region, which is underpinning a strong outlook for demand for Australian cattle exports in future.

SE Asian markets such as Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam also perform an important role for Australia’s northern cattle stations by providing a viable outlet for heavier, ready-to-slaughter cattle.

Australia’s cattle exports in 2012-13 totalled 633,463 head, down 7pc on the 683,293 head exported in 2011-12.

The 49,830 head reduction is explained largely by the cutbacks in Indonesian quotas from 2012 to 2013 and the disruption caused to shipments across all markets by the ongoing rollout of the compulsory Exporter Supply Chain Assurance system, which is designed to improve traceability and cattle handling systems to protect the welfare of Australian cattle in all foreign markets.

The 45,000 head year-on-year increase in exports to Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam played an important role in helping to partially offset the 105,000 head in lost orders to Indonesia. 

Another growth market for Australian exports in 2012-13 was Jordan, which increased from 600 to 9000 head year-on-year.

Australia’s largest live cattle export markets in 2012-13:

(brackets show 2011-12 volumes and percentage change from 2011-12 to 2012-13)

Indonesia 271,200 (376,148  -25pc)

Israel 67,334 (60,494  +11pc)

China (dairy cattle)  59,123  (58,583  0pc)

Malaysia 38,548 (19,963  + 93pc)

Philippines 36,978 (23,903  +55pc)

Russian Federation 36,328  (36,858  -1pc)

Turkey 35,609  (37,432  -5pc)

Vietnam 15,903  (1441  +1004pc)

Egypt 15,300   (32,089  -52pc)

Japan 11,178  (14,920  -25pc)

Australia’s largest cattle export ports in 2012-13:

Darwin 252,348 cattle

Fremantle 125,580 cattle

Portland 77,828 cattle

Broome 65,688 cattle

Karumba 17,304 cattle

Wyndham 17,257 cattle

Brisbane 10,438 cattle

Geraldton 8195 cattle

Port Hedland 6100 cattle

Townsville 4214 cattle