AUSTRALIAN sheepmeat exports to the EU increased during August, with shipments up 3 per cent year-on-year and 37pc when compared with July.
Mutton exports drove the overall rise in sheepmeat shipments for the month, up 56pc year-on-year, totalling 315 tonnes swt. Lamb exports remained subdued, with exports 8pc lower year-on-year, at 932 tonnes swt.
For the eight months ending August, Australian sheepmeat exports were 14pc below year ago levels, indicative of the tough trading environment faced in the EU market throughout 2012.
Lamb legs dominated the cut profile of Australian sheepmeat shipments to the EU throughout August, totalling 436 tonnes swt, while lamb shank (20pc), mutton leg (19pc), and manufacturing lamb (10pc) were also shipped in significant quantities.
Lamb shank exports have increased 149pc so far in 2012, with significant increases in manufacturing mutton and carcase also going someway to offset lower volumes of more traditional cuts to the EU.
Beef exports for the month were also restrained, down 5pc year-on-year.
Grainfed shipments slowed 13pc, contributing to the decline in overall shipments, while grassfed volumes were steady.
Total beef shipments for the first eight months of 2012 were 6pc above year ago levels, with a 20pc rise in grainfed exports the driving force in the expansion of beef volumes so far in 2012.
Source: farmonline.com.au
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