Australian lamb exports are on pace to set a new calendar year record at 218,000 tons – up 2% over the last record set in 2013. The increase in exports is expected to continue through the next two years, due in part to Middle Eastern markets being reopened. After being suspended in August 2012 because of concerns of scabby mouth, Australian exports of live sheep to Bahrain recommenced in March of this year followed quickly by the reopening of Egyptian markets which have been closed to Australian sheep since 2006. On a global scale demand for Australian lamb from the U.S., China, and the Middle East continues to be strong, accounting for 66% of total exports. Export volumes to China are forecast to be 40,000 tons, or 1% higher than the record setting 2013 levels. Given the reopening of sizable global markets, live sheep exports are expected to reach 2.3 million head in 2014 – up 16.6% over the 1.973 million head Australia exported in 2013, and over the course of the next seven years, Australian sheep exports are predicted to increase by 57%. Domestic mutton consumption is expected to decrease by 50% and lamb consumption is forecast to fall by 22%. Despite this, the national sheep flock is expected to increase in size from 72.2 million head in June 2014 to 75 million head in 2015 with 27% of producers planning to expand their ewe numbers in 2015. To read further:
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