Saudi Arabia live sheep export market makes welcome return

Published Apr 9, 2024

Tridge summary

Australia has recommenced live sheep exports to Saudi Arabia after over a decade, with shipments increasing from 5,000 to 27,600 sheep by the end of February, reviving a trade once worth $100 million annually. This resurgence, underpinned by a revised health protocol and the Australian Government Export Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS), is crucial for Western Australia's producers facing tough conditions. The Australian Live Exporters Council (ALEC) anticipates growing demand, underscoring the trade's significance. Meanwhile, the article highlights calls for enhanced transparency in reporting animal welfare standards during voyages, with advocates pushing for the public release of detailed daily reports by onboard veterinarians to ensure truthfulness in the discourse around animal welfare, countering misleading activist claims.

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Original content

The return of what was once Australia's biggest live sheep export market has been welcomed by industry representatives, after a hiatus of more than a decade. The first shipment of 5000 sheep set sail from WA to Saudi Arabia in early January and numbers have continued to rise in the months since. According to Australian Live Exporters Council (ALEC) chief executive officer Mark Harvey-Sutton, live sheep exports to that country reached 27,600-head at the end of February. He expected this figure to hit 40,000-head at the end of last month, with official data to be released in coming weeks. "Reports from Saudi industry and government officials are that all livestock have been well-received," Mr Harvey-Sutton said. "They are very happy with the quality of the consignments and will certainly look to increase numbers, as the trade continues to grow." Saudi Arabia ended shipments from Australia in 2012, with the last consignment being delivered just prior to the introduction of the ...

Source: Farmweekly