Budget trade commitments welcomed

Exporters welcome Budget funding extensions to strengthen red meat relationships

 AUSTRALIAN livestock exporters have welcomed a series of funding extension commitments confirmed in last night’s Federal Budget, which will enhance trade relationships with key Asian and Middle East markets. 

Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council CEO Simon Westaway said the Federal Government’s commitment recognised the importance of fostering stronger links with major red meat trading partners.

The Budget confirmed a renewed five-year commitment to the Indonesia-Australia Red Meat and Cattle Partnership and maintaining Australian Agricultural Trade Counsellors in key live export markets, including Indonesia, Vietnam and the Middle East, as well as a new Counsellor in Japan.

Mr Westaway said the Indonesia-Australia partnership was a pivotal platform through which Australian industry and Government promoted positive trade collaborations with Australia’s largest live cattle export market.

“Australia is Indonesia’s biggest source of red meat, via both live cattle and boxed product,” Mr Westaway said.

“ALEC strongly supports initiatives which promote growth in all of Australia’s red meat export categories.

“The Indonesia-Australia partnership is critical to underpinning Australian export volumes, including live cattle, while supporting Indonesia’s desire to grow its beef production capacity.”

In the 12 months to 30 April 2018, 500,000 Australian cattle were exported to Indonesia, which includes feeder cattle for slaughter and productive breeding females for herd development purposes.

“The $3.6 million five-year funding extension to the Indonesia-Australia partnership comes at an important time as producers and exporters seek to strengthen Australia’s status as a trusted trading partner and reliable supplier of affordable dietary protein and well-bred breeder animals.”