GROWTH in Australian mutton exports to the United States and the European Union, and continued demand from the Middle East, has kept shipments for July above the long term monthly average, according to Meat and Livestock Australia.

With the tightening of seasonal supplies, MLA said Australian mutton exports during July were down 14 percent on year ago levels to 8576 tonnes, but this is still 17pc above the five-year monthly average.

Mutton exports to the US increased 36pc in July, to 526 tonnes. Australian exporters shipped 389 tonnes of mutton to the EU during the month, almost doubling shipments for the same period last year.

The Middle East remained the largest export market for Australian mutton, taking 2978 tonnes – back 7pc year-on-year, MLA said. Mutton shipments to China also slowed in July, back 42pc on 2014 volumes to 1461 tonnes.

Whole carcases accounted for 44pc of all mutton exports in July, at 3759 tonnes, while legs made up 16pc, (1357 tonnes) of the total. Manufacturing and breast and flap rounded out the top four most popular cuts in July, with both accounting for 12pc of the total, MLA said.

Source: Meat and Livestock Australia.