A statement released today from the Federal Trade Minister Craig Emerson and Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig confirmed the decision.
They said Indonesia's announcement was welcomed and would benefit Australian beef producers and exporters.
“Indonesia has announced imports of premium Australian beef will be exempt from quotas following negotiations with the Australian Government,” the statement said.
“The Indonesian Government also confirmed quotas applying to live cattle for the second half of the year will be brought forward, with a further review of supply and demand to be undertaken later in the year.”
Dr Emerson said Indonesia continues to view Australia as a quality supplier of beef for its domestic market.
“The Indonesian Government’s decision to increase the import of Australian premium beef is a clear reflection of our strong, ongoing trade relationship,” he said.
An additional quota exemption has also been flagged which would enable Indonesia's rice trading enterprise Bulog to import beef products, such as frozen carcasses, for supply to local markets.
Minister Ludwig said distributors would be able to import enough premium Australian beef to meet demand from Indonesia’s high-end food services sector, which is traditionally higher at this time of year.
“This is great news for Australian beef producers, especially those who are doing it tough,” Minister Ludwig said.
“I have raised the need to increase quotas directly with my Indonesian counterparts during my three visits to Indonesia over the last two years.
“These decisions reflect the ability of Australia’s Government and industry to work cooperatively with Indonesia.”
After weeks of ongoing speculation of an increase in import quotas from Indonesia, the Australian Livestock Exporters Council was cautious about today’s announcement.
