South Korea-Beef imports.

AUSTRALIA-KOREAN EXPORTS.

Australian beef exports to Korea totalled 7,433 tonnes swt from 1-23 March with chilled beef accounting for 25% of shipments. It is expected that exports for the month will reach around 10,000 tonnes swt – a 20% increase on February this year but 18% below March 2008.

A number of Korean restaurants and medium/small sized retailers are reporting difficulties in sourcing Australian beef as current stock levels are low. Some major retailers are currently holding promotions in order to boost imported beef consumption with both US and Australian Galbee (short rib) being sold for approximately $1 per 100 grams. The upcoming summer period (starting in June) and slow US beef exports may also trigger stronger interest for Australian beef in coming months.

MLA’s annual research among Korean importers on their overall satisfaction with Australian beef received positive feedback. Korean importers rated Australian product safety, product freshness, affordability and availability the highest since this research started in 2003.