This is the highest export volume on record for the period, and 3pc above that of the same period in 2007.

So lamb exports for the calendar year ended Dec appear to be on track to hit record in 2009.

Strong demand for lamb in the Middle East and the China’s (China, Hong Kong and Taiwan), combined with an improvement in Australian lamb supply, resulted in the higher export volume for the month of October, when lamb exports increased 2pc year-on-year.

Boosting shipments to these regions was also the weaker demand for lamb in other key export markets due to the higher $A.

Lamb exports to the Middle East have increased 34pc year-on-year, to 3,352 tonnes swt. The robust economies within the region, tight NZ lamb supply and limited Australian mutton supply contributed to the high shipments recorded for the month.

Lamb exports to the China’s during October increased 45pc year on-year, to 2,724 tonnes swt. This strong growth was driven by Hong Kong due to the growing popularity of lamb hot pots, population expansion (especially ex-pat populations) and the increase in high-end foodservice outlets.

In contrast, the high $A, which averaged US90¢ (29pc higher year-on-year), €0.61 (17pc higher year-on-year), curbed shipments to the US and the EU during October.

Lamb exports to the US declined 12pc year-on-year, to 4,015 tonnes swt. Exports to the EU fell 9pc, to 2,115 tonnes swt, despite a 6pc increase in shipments to the UK, to 1,172 tonnes swt.

The appreciation of the $A against the yen contributed to lamb exports to Japan falling 43pc, to 467 tonnes swt.

Lamb exports to Japan have been subdued over recent months following a strong period of re-stocking earlier in the year.