Lamb and mutton exports to South East Asian markets improved for most countries during the last quarter, Meat and Livestock Australia reported today.

Sheepmeat export volumes increased by 19 percent to 6815 tonnes into Malaysia and lifted by 9pc into Singapore to total to 2541 tonnes, but were lower into Vietnam.

MLA said total Australian red meat — beef, lamb, mutton, goat, and offal — shipments declined by 7pc to 28,441 tonnes into the market of Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Brunei, Cambodia and Myanmar during the March quarter, but were higher than the five-year average of 21,344 tonnes.

SE Asian beef shipments fall 23pc

The overall decline in red meat exports was due to a 23pc fall in beef shipments to 12,546 tonnes, largely because of slower demand from the Philippines – down 38pc to 4636 tonnes – and from Malaysia, down 21pc to 3140 tonnes. The fall was partially offset by a 65pc increase in shipments to Vietnam, to 945 tonnes, MLA said.

Offal exports recorded a 21pc increase on last year, with Singapore registering 366pc growth, to 2082 tonnes and Thailand shipments rising 24pc to 1965 tonnes.

While the March quarter performance was softer than last year, Business Monitor International forecasts steady economic and consumption growth in the region, with total household spending in 2015 expected to increase by 8.7pc in Vietnam, 8.3pc in Philippines, 7.2pc in Malaysia, and 5.6pc in Thailand, MLA said.

Source: Meat and Livestock Australia