NZ beef exporters could gain from Aussie cattle ban

Abuse of cattle in an Indonesian abbatoir has prompted Australia to ban all live exports of cattle to that country. Photo / supplied

New Zealand beef exporters stand to gain from a regional diplomatic row over the mistreatment of cattle in Indonesian slaughterhouses.

Australia on Wednesday banned live cattle exports to Indonesia for up to six months following public outcry over graphic footage of cows being mistreated in Indonesian abattoirs.

Indonesia imports about 500,000 head of cattle a year from Australia, and that demand will now need to be met through processed meat imports or live imports from elsewhere.

Agriculture Minister David Carter today said New Zealand would not under any circumstances send live cattle to Indonesia.

"The footage is horrific, and that is why New Zealand has such a strong stance on animal welfare. Under no circumstances should we ever send animals from New Zealand to be treated that way."

New Zealand banned live exports in 2004 following outrage over the death of 5000 sheep on an Australian ship bound for Saudi Arabia.

That ban is still in place, but processed meat exporters could still benefit from the Australian ban.

"We are a substantial supplier of processed meat to Indonesia and we'd be keen to increase that market, but under no circumstances would we consider sending live animals for slaughter to Indonesia," Mr Carter said.

He expected Indonesian officials would get in touch with Trade Minister Tim Groser, as well as the various processed meat suppliers that were already engaged in trade to Indonesia.

- NZPA