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Live export buyers may turn to other markets
8 January 2010
Buyers of live sheep in the Middle East are concerned about Australia's ability to keep up with demand.
Each year Australia exports four million live sheep to the Middle East.
But due to the decline in the national sheep flock, buyers are staring to look elsewhere for their meat.
Meat and Livestock Australia's livestock manager in the region Peter Dundon says demand will always be there for Australian meat, but importers may have to opt for cheaper options.
"The price this year for sheep is the highest in the history of the trade," he says.
"There'll be a readjustment to some extent with live versus chilled we've seen some chilled carcasses coming into the region in the last 12 months."
"Market forces will work it out."