Indonesia to Increase Beef Imports from Australia

Indonesia to Increase Beef Imports from Australia

Indonesia has announced imports of premium Australian beef will be exempt from quotas following negotiations with the Australian Government.

The Indonesian Government also confirmed quotas applying to live cattle for the second half of the year will be brought forward, with a further review of supply and demand to be undertaken later in the year.

Minister for Trade and Competitiveness Craig Emerson and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Joe Ludwig today welcomed Indonesia's announcement, which will benefit Australian beef producers and exporters.

Dr Emerson most recently discussed local beef supply with Indonesian Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan in Surabaya in April. He is also scheduled for talks with Mr. Wirjawan this week in Paris, where both are taking part in the annual Ministerial Council Meeting of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

"Indonesia continues to view Australia as a quality supplier of beef for its domestic market," Dr Emerson said.

"The Indonesian Government’s decision to increase the import of Australian premium beef is a clear reflection of our strong, ongoing trade relationship."

An additional quota exemption has also been flagged which would enable Indonesia's rice trading enterprise Bulog to import beef products, such as frozen carcasses, for supply to local markets.

The additional supply measures are aimed at stabilising the supply and cost of beef in Indonesia’s domestic markets ahead of Ramadan next month and the Eid Fitri Festival in August.

Minister Ludwig said distributors would be able to import enough premium Australian beef to meet demand from Indonesia’s high-end food services sector, which is traditionally higher at this time of year.

"This is great news for Australian beef producers, especially those who are doing it tough," Minister Ludwig said.

"I have raised the need to increase quotas directly with my Indonesian counterparts during my three visits to Indonesia over the last two years.

"These decisions reflect the ability of Australia’s Government and industry to work cooperatively with Indonesia."

The Australian Government continues to advocate increased market access for Australian agricultural products into Indonesia.

ENDS

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