8/8/05
Agriculture Minister Kim Chance today announced Western Australia cattle and sheep meat exports had soared since 2000 and now contributed $340million a year to the State’s economy.
Mr Chance said beef exports had risen 150 per cent, lamb 99 per cent and mutton 40 per cent as the reputation of WA’s quality meat increased, with Japan and Korea in particular looking to Australia for safe and reliable supply.
“In 1999-2000 beef exports were worth $60million and by 2004-2005 had risen to $149million,” the Minister said.
“That success has also been reflected in lamb and mutton with total sheep meat exports rising from $112million to $191million - an overall increase of 70 per cent.”
Since 2003 Australia has become the largest exporter to Japan and Korea, two of the world’s most lucrative beef markets, and WA has taken its share of that trade due to pro-active marketing including the hosting of trade delegations and participation in overseas promotion.
WA beef exports to Japan have increased from 1550 tonnes in 1999-2000 to 10,760 tonnes in 2004-2005 - a seven-fold increase. In the same period, WA beef exports to Korea rose from 290 tonnes to 6360 tonnes.
“Japan is now WA’s major beef market, with an estimated value in 2004-2005 of $52million compared with just $9million in 1999-2000,” Mr Chance said.
The rise in beef export values to Korea is even more dramatic with a market then worth less than a million dollars and now worth $26.6million.”
The Minister said beef exports to the United States of America had increased 98 per cent during the same period and were now valued at $26million, while lamb exports to the USA had increased eight fold to $29million and mutton by 180 per cent to $9million.
Mr Chance said WA’s success in securing a significant share of the market growth was a tribute to the exporters, meat processors and producers in the agricultural sector.
“These markets have seen the quality and reliability of WA producers and the results speak for themselves,” he said.
The Minister praised efforts by the Department of Agriculture to foster trade and develop relationships with key markets.
“Doing business in such markets is often based on trust and friendship and the alliances formed at all levels of the supply chain have been of immense value in forging a mutually beneficial trade relationship,” he said.
“The Gallop Government is providing new jobs and opportunities for Western Australians.”
Minister's office: 9213 6700
