AUSTRALIAN cattle exports dipped to the lowest August level for more than five years with 77,559 cattle exported for the month.

The Port of Townsville

Latest export data releaed today shows total cattle export volumes from January to August totalled 743,722, which  is back on the 823,170 exported in the same period in 2019.

Exports to Indonesia reduced to 38,583 head, down from 39,988 head in July.

Shipments to Vietnam also eased back to 15,781 head, easing from 17,297 the previous month.

Exports to China increased to 13,011 breeding cattle in August, an increase on the 4000 head exported in July.

A total of 34,273 cattle were exported from the Port of Darwin in August, bringing its total exports for the year to date to 270,258 cattle.

Townsville exported 10,274 cattle and Portland 13,011, bringing total exports for the year so far to 182,077 and 105,864 respectively.

The Darwin live export steer price for Indonesia is sitting at 355c/kg.

Rates in Queensland (ex-Townsville) for Vietnam are this week being quoted at 330c/kg for steers, 325c/kg bulls and 335c for feeder bulls.