Australia: Meeting the challenge of high cattle prices considering the state of Indonesian live trade

PANDEMIC impacts are likely to be more acutely felt this year than last in the trade of live cattle to Indonesia but there are opportunities to ease some pain and positive signs for long-term strength. In fact, recovery might take its lead from shifts in consumer behaviour as affluent Indonesian consumers seek to add more high-quality beef to their diets. Growth in all market segments in Indonesia, including wet markets, is expected to be robust in coming years. These are the key messages in a major report from the Indonesia Australian Red Meat and Cattle Partnership, just released. The Joint State of the Industry Report lists positive drivers as more streamlined Indonesian regulatory requirements, an increase in supermarket and online sales and the accelerated uptake in production efficiencies and supply chain innovation. Negative drivers include potentially higher regulatory costs at the Australian end, reduced consumer spending power in Indonesia, lower demand for food service ...