Australian beef and veal shipments to the US fell for in August the 13th consecutive month, according to Meat and Livestock Australia.

Beef and veal shipments in August totalled 13,929 tonnes swt, with both chilled and frozen exports to the US down 16pc and 23pc respectively year-on-year.

The continued significant impact of the high A$ on trade to the US was the principal reason for the falls, MLA reported in its weekly meat market newsletter.

“The US manufacturing beef market over the past couple of weeks has had more of a bearish undertone, due in part to higher stocks of frozen boneless beef, and US cow slaughter still running above year ago levels,” the report said.

“Despite this, both US domestic and imported manufacturing beef prices continue to remain above year ago levels.

“Looking over the next couple of months, there are several bullish indicators which could help steady or lift the US manufacturing beef trade.

“These include an anticipated slowdown in US cow slaughter, and Australian beef production facilities currently not running at full capacity. In addition, imported beef supplies from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Uruguay to date have been significantly below year ago levels.”