Australian beef exports to South Asia (China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam) reached a new record during the January to May period, jumping 30 per cent year-on-year to 46,270 tonnes (shipped weight) in 2009, according to Meat and Livestock Australia.

But MLA says shipments to The Philippines and Singapore eased 6pc and 2pc, respectively, due to softer demand for manufacturing beef in The Philippines and falling neck shipments to Singapore amid the economic downturns impacted trade.

Meanwhile, exports to the other markets all experienced strong growth.

During January to May 2009, Brazilian beef exports to the region (China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam) also recorded strong trade, registering 55,630t, up 19pc on a year ago.

The growth was mainly driven by strong demand in China and Hong Kong, offsetting falls in shipments to Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore.

In contrast, New Zealand beef exports to South Asia during the five months to May eased 2pc compared with the same period in 2008, to 33,374t, due to a fall in shipments to Indonesia and The Philippines by 17pc and 52pc, respectively.

Shipments from the US during the four months to April were 29pc above the same period last year to 32,170t (latest available data).

Demand from China was the main driver for the rise as exports to the other South Asian markets fell substantially.