Australian red meat (beef and veal, sheepmeat and goat) exports to China surged to a total of 256,993 tonnes swt in 2013.

That represents 17pc of Australia’s total exports, and compares to 6pc at 79,153 tonnes swt in 2012.

Australian beef and veal exports to China during 2013 climbed significantly, to 154,833 tonnes swt (up 371pc year-on-year). While the majority (87pc) exported to China was grassfed beef, at 134,301 tonnes swt, the volume of grainfed beef rose to 20,531 tonnes swt (up 444pc year-on-year).

The beef cut in the highest demand was brisket, at 29,960 tonnes swt (up 423pc). China became the largest export destination for Australian shin/shank, at 29,213 tonnes swt (up 348pc), silverside/outside, at 16,536 tonnes swt (up 366pc) and thick flank/knuckle, at 13,280 tonnes swt (up 538pc). Carcase exports also increased significantly, from 457 tonnes swt in 2012, to 16,186 tonnes swt in 2013.

In terms of Australian sheepmeat exports during 2013, lamb shipments were up 34pc year-on-year, to 39,535 tonnes swt, while mutton exports surged 254pc, to 57,888 tonnes swt (34pc of Australia’s total exports). Breast and flap remained the most popular sheepmeat cut, at 36,607 tonnes swt (20,331 tonnes swt of lamb and 16,276 tonnes swt of mutton). Growth was also registered for sheepmeat carcase exports, at 29,616 tonnes swt (the majority of which was mutton, at 27, 026 tonnes swt) and shoulder, at 10,092 tonnes swt (6,701 tonnes of lamb and 3,391 tonnes of mutton). China’s high intake of mutton leg assisted the annual volume rising from 1,740 tonnes swt in 2012, to 6,390 tonnes swt in 2013.

Australian goatmeat exports to China during 2013 were up substantially year-on-year, reaching 4,736 tonnes swt.

Source: Meat & Livestock Australia