That’s according to Australian Livestock Exporters Council chairman Simon Crean, who believes live cattle exports from Australia provides greater stability to Asian regions, which lack local infrastructure to handle boxed beef or hold significant cultural traditions around cattle processing.

This in turn provides Australia’s cattle industry with more stability as well by increasing market diversification, while meeting emerging protein demands from Asia’s growing middle class society, Mr Crean says.

“The more markets we supply, the greater the stability in overall trade and the greater confidence for livestock producers and exporters to invest in supply chain development,” he said.  

And such market diversification, including live cattle exports, is vital in unlocking another $7 billion of additional potential growth for Australia’s off-farm red meat industry by the year 2030, Mr Crean stated.

“We have to align the potential for growth in the red meat industry with innovation and diversity in terms of markets,” he said.

“Livestock exports form part of the total off-farm value of Australia’s red meat industry which is worth almost $18 billion annually to our economy.

“We have to understand the significance of the supply chain.”

Mr Crean said further market diversification was essential for future growth.

“Especially in light of current cattle, sheep and goat prices which are putting pressure on the competitiveness of Australian red meat in price sensitive markets across Asia,” he said.

“Some of those markets have access to alternative forms of protein, such as Indian buffalo meat.”

Mr Crean emphasized rapid increases to living standards in a fast growing Asia Pacific region is lifting the demand for protein.

“In many of the markets the demand for red meat is increasing, but it’s not just demand for box beef,” he said.

“For a range of reasons, which include cultural traditions and the efficiency of local infrastructure, there is a strong demand for live animals.

“The growth potential is there, the foundation exists, the question is now about getting on with the strategy.”

The live export industry currently employees 10,000 people across Australia.

“Economic growth in Asia presents significant ongoing opportunities for our livestock export industry, but it also demands we step-up to the challenge of maintaining control and traceability in our supply chains,” Mr Crean said.

“Australia’s livestock exports are approaching $2 billion in annual worth.”