With virtually all of Australia’s mutton production destined for overseas markets, this jump in exports was almost entirely supply-driven, coming off the lowest annual total in at least 20 years in 2011.
The Middle East was far and away the largest destination of Australian mutton in 2012, with 46,700 tonnes swt (up 18%, or 7,146 tonnes swt), more than double the next largest region, Greater China, with 22,135 tonnes swt (up 141%, or 12,952 tonnes swt).
The largest increases in cuts to the Middle East in 2012 were carcases, bone-in loins and legs, with Egypt, Kuwait, Oman and the United Arab Emirates the largest growth markets.
Greater China took a much larger volume of breast & flap, carcases, legs and manufacturing cuts (mainly China), but less racks.
Exports were also strong to South East Asia (up 33%, or 2,966 tonnes swt, to 11,946 tonnes swt), with more carcases, legs and manufacturing cuts sent mainly to Malaysia and Singapore.
The trade to the US was another to capitalise on the cheaper mutton on offer, with carcases driving the 62% (or 2,852 tonnes swt) increase, to 7,470 tonnes swt, in 2012.
Mutton exports to Russia and Kazakhstan also grew, again with carcase featuring heavily, as well as legs.
With the lower prices presenting opportunities to the markets mentioned above, the mutton trade was restricted in other regions, notably Japan (down 30%, or 1,342 tonnes swt, to 3,163 tonnes swt), Papua New Guinea (down 49%, or 889 tonnes swt, to 942 tonnes swt) and South Africa (down 34%, or 643 tonnes, to 1,251 tonnes swt).
