Australia’s March beef exports hit 112,000t; first quarter tonnage amongst the highest on record

Despite some serious logistical challenges caused by Cyclone Alfred, Australian beef exports held up remarkably well during March. Total export shipments to all markets last month reached 112,423 tons, only 5,000t less than February, and 6,000t higher than March last year, Beef Central reported.

As it turned out, Australia’s March shipments to the US remained high, at 32,300t. That’s only 2800t or 8pc lower than February. Forward purchasing may have been a factor. Last month was more than 5700t or 21pc higher than exports to the US in March last year, reflecting the big surge in trade currently being seen during the US domestic herd collapsing to 70-year lows following drought.

The completion of March trade provides a full first quarter export performance benchmark. Total beef export trade for the quarter reached 310,974t, more than 35,000t or 13pc higher than the same period last year, and one of the largest first-quarter shipment levels on record.