Beef offal exports supported by Korean demand

Australian beef and veal offal exports during February lifted 33% from January volumes, to 10,488 tonnes swt, however remain 9% lower year-on-year, as a result of supply constrained production (Department of Agriculture and Water Resources).

Underpinned by strong demand, offal exports to Korea continued to increase, with volumes lifting 12% year-on-year, to 1,882 tonnes swt. Shipments predominantly consisted of skirt cuts but included a larger proportion of intestines (422 tonnes swt), commonly used in Korean style barbeque.

Offal products to Indonesia also registered a 12% increase year-on-year, totalling 1,371 tonnes swt, driven by 36% lift in tongue exports (586 tonnes swt) and 160 tonnes swt of heart.

Product destined for Japan remained relatively steady year-on-year (back 1%), to 1,687 tonnes swt, with tongue volumes easing 5%, to 586 tonnes swt. Skirt shipments declined 16%, to 495 tonnes swt, but were largely offset by increased volumes of tripe (up 29%, to 169 tonnes swt) and cheek meat (up 37% to 63 tonnes swt).

On the other hand, tripe exports to Hong Kong eased 23% from year-ago levels, to 1,402 tonnes swt, predominantly driven by lack of supply and competing demand from Malaysia, which saw tripe volumes more than double year-on-year, to 294 tonnes swt.

For further export information and pricing trends please see the soon to be released MLA Co-product report or subscribe by emailing marketinfo@mla.com.au