INDONESIA is continuing with plans to become self-sufficient in beef production announcing a reduction in its beef import quota.
Australian producers' 2013 beef quota to Indonesia will be 80,000 tonnes which equals about 238,000 head of cattle and 32,000 tonnes of boxed beef.It's a further reduction on this year's quota which was exceeded due to consumer demand.
The original 2012 quota was 85,000 tonnes about 283,000 head and 34,000 tonnes of boxed meat but the country issued another permit for an extra 7000 tonnes of boxed beef.
Federal Agricultural Minister Joe Ludwig said the announcement Indonesia would issue import permits later this month would give producers and exporters more certainty.
"Like in 2012, the beef import quota for 2013 reflects Indonesia's move to self sufficiency," Senator Ludwig said.
"The initial quota has been announced at 80,000 tonnes, but the need for supply to meet a growing demand means these quotas vary.
"There is ongoing demand for Australian cattle and beef in Indonesia, especially due to price pressures caused by demand outweighing availability of product."
