Australian exports of beef to China set for eightfold increase

Australian beef sales to China are set to surge more than eightfold this year, providing a boost for farmers who are struggling with tougher US competition in traditional markets such as Japan.

Chinese demand for beef is growing as the diet of wealthier consumers changes to include more protein. But production has lagged domestically, where pork tends to be more profitable, boosting the outlook for overseas beef suppliers.