According to the MLA April was a strong month for Australian beef exports to the EU, with shipments up 9% year-on-year, to 1,431 tonnes swt. April's result continues the strong start to 2012 for Australian beef exports to the EU, with shipments for the first four months of the year 13% higher than in the corresponding period last year, and 58% above the five year average.

Behind the jump in exports was a 19% year-on-year jump in grassfed exports, at 1,080 tonnes swt. This is the highest April shipment of grassfed beef since 1998. Grassfed exports are typically higher in April, as exporters reportedly seek to get product on the water to fill remaining ‘Hilton HQB' allocations before the end of the financial year. Grainfed exports decreased 14% year-on-year, to 352 tonnes swt. Topside/inside continues to make up the largest proportion of beef exports, accounting for 21% of shipments, followed by striploin (16%) and rump (15%).

Sheepmeat exports reached 947 tonnes during April, up 5% year-on-year. Lamb exports decreased 4%, to 728 tonnes swt, while mutton exports increased 53%, to 219 tonnes swt. Lamb leg made up the majority of shipments (38%) followed by lamb shank (20%) and mutton leg (20%).