Red Meat Exports For April Were 2% Higher Than The Same Month A Year Earlier At $996 Million

Red meat exports for April were 2% higher than the same month a year earlier at $996 million. The Meat Industry Association says the April increase arrests three consecutive months of year-on-year declines. Compared to April last year, exports of red meat to China were up 21% to $379m, the United States was up 7% to $235m and Germany up 30% to $32m. This was offset by decreases to the United Kingdom, down 40% to $34m and Japan down 49% to $28m. Fifth quarter exports were up 3% to $183m. Beef exports for the month rose 18% to 46,732 tonnes with the value 6% higher at $420m. MIA chief executive Sirma Karapeeva says US domestic beef production is slowing as drought conditions ease in parts of the country, creating increased demand for imported beef. Sheepmeat export volumes overall were up 10% to 38,627t but their value was down 2% to $393m. There was growth to China and the major European markets but declines into the US and UK.