China creeping higher in export beef standings

Shipping container

April is usually a slow beef export month. The run of public holidays mean less beef can be produced and less put on boats. The April just gone followed the usual trend in most markets, but China and Taiwan bucked the trend.

The basic beef export numbers seem weak, but it’s not too different to recent trends.  Low cattle slaughter saw April 2022 post its lowest exports since 1996. Figure 1 shows the decline in total exports was largely in line with the seasonal trend.

 Total beef exports were down 17% on March, and 15% on March 2021.  After last month when we looked at exports consolidating in the bigger markets, this month they bore the brunt of the falls.  Beef exports to Japan fell 25% on last year, South Korea was down 26% and the US was down 17%. 

Exports to China fell on last month, but were up 8% on last year.  Exports to China were still in second place, and just 15% below Japan, which retained first place.  This was very strong compared to the average for last year however, which stands at 37%.

Beef export values tell some of the story, but we only have them to February.  Figure 2 shows the value of beef exported to China, the US and Japan, divided by the volume.  This gives a price per kilogram.  It’s interesting that Japan lags behind the other two big markets, but this could have something to do with the number of bone in cuts.

The price of beef exported to China has kept pace with the US, and has been slowly working into the US’s market share.

In their latest update Steiner reported that some shipments to China were diverted in April due to issues uploading ships and transporting beef due to the Covid lockdowns.  This is somewhat seen in  the data, with Taiwan receiving 915 more tonnes of beef in April than March, and 61% more than April 21 (figure 3).  This was the biggest export month to Taiwan since 2019, and shows that demand is still pretty good from smaller markets.  When they can get it.

What does it mean?

There is nothing wrong with demand for Australian beef, and we saw last week what it is doing to domestic beef prices, when the inflation figures came out.  For the consumer they aren’t likely to get beef any cheaper in the medium term.  Even when local cattle supplies lift export demand will underpin prices.  More good news for cattle producers.

Have any questions or comments?

We love to hear from you!

Print This Post

Key Points

  • Beef exports fell in April due to fewer slaughter days, but demand remains strong.
  • Taiwan had its biggest month in three years, reportedly thanks to diversions from China.
  • Beef export values reached records in February, in line with domestic prices.

Click on figure to expand

Click on figure to expand

Click on figure to expand

Data sources:  MLA, DAWE

Make decisions with confidence- ask about our board packs, bespoke forecasting and risk management services

Have any questions or comments?

We love to hear from you!
Cattle

Rain and Restockers return

A short selling week saw yardings down significantly, all cattle indicators had a lift in prices on the back of tighter supply. An increase in

Read More »
Cattle in feedlot
Cattle

Feed pens fuller yet again

Volatile market conditions for cattle didn’t scare the lot feeding sector into submission last year with yet more growth recorded for the final quarter. The

Read More »

Want market insights delivered straight to your inbox?

Sign up to the mailing list to get regular updates to new analysis and market outlooks

Independent analysis and outlook for wool, livestock and grain markets delivered to you as it’s published

Commodity conversations podcast cover image, a illustration of a sheep standing on a cow's back with grain either side
Listen to the podcast

Join the Mecardo team for the Commodity Conversations podcast, where we provide short weekly market recaps and longer conversations with guests to discuss the drivers and trends in livestock, grain and fibre markets.

Photo of a farmer surrounded by Merino sheep in dusty yards
Research: Analysis of the Australian sheep flock

In this report for LiveCorp and MLA, we analysed the historical trends in the demographics of the Australian sheep flock, examining domestic factors that influence farm-level enterprise decision making. 

Image of harvested grain pouring into a chaser bin
SERVICES AND CAPABILITIES STATEMENT BROCHURE

We don’t just bring you the most up to date market insights. Find out more about Mecardo’s services including risk management advisory, modelling, benchmarking, research & consultancy.