Australia: Livestock and Products Semi-annual
Over 2016, the Australian beef cattle herd is expected to decline to 25.6 million head after several years of record turn-off. However, a lower slaughter rate will contribute to herd rebuilding, especially given the improved seasonal outlook in Queensland and NSW. Beef and veal production is expected to fall to 2.3 million MT. Australian exports of beef and veal are forecast to decline to 1.6 million MT despite strong international demand. Live cattle exports are expected to fall to 1.1 million head due to supply constraints. The pig and pork meat sector is slowly expanding, with the domestic industry focused mainly on fresh pork products. Imports supply most of the market for processed pork products. Post has sought to expand market access, with U.S. microwave bacon exports likely to be approved in 2016.
