I’m a rocket lamb
Lamb Export Summary August 2023
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry trade data for August 2023 saw Aussie lamb export post the highest monthly volumes on record with 31,779 tonnes swt reported shipped. This represents a 14% gain on the volumes seen during July, which is no mean feat given export volumes seen in July was uncharacteristically high already. Compared to the five-year average for August current Australian lamb exports sit a levels that are 51% higher that the seasonal average trend. In a positive outcome for the sector growth in demand for Aussie lamb exports was seen across most key trade destinations, reflective of the benefits of diverse market access.
A summary of the top lamb export destinations is as follows.
China – There was a huge 31% gain in demand for Australian lamb by China during August 2023, which somewhat contradicts the anecdotal reports over the last month that sheep meat cold store space in China was getting full. There was 7,310 tonnes of Aussie lamb exports sent to China in August, which is the fourth highest monthly flow on record for lamb exports from Australia to China. Compared to the five-year average pattern, current Australian lamb export flows sit 57% above the seasonal trend.
USA – The US saw a 4% increase in lamb export flows from Australia over August with 6,304 tonnes reported consigned for the month. This represents levels that are 24% above the five-year average pattern for August and a back near the strong demand levels we had seen from the US consumer over the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
All other destinations – Trade in Australia lamb exports to all other destinations (excluding China and the USA) lifted by 12% over August and the strong surge in demand saw the monthly volumes to all other destinations hit a new all time monthly record at 18,165 tonnes shipped. Compared to the five-year average for August current trade levels are running 61% ahead of the seasonal trend.
