There were mixed trends in Australian exports in August, with cheese shipments up 14% for the month but still 5% lower for the quarter. Stronger exports to SE Asia, Japan and South Korea accounted for most of the expansion in August.

Fat exports rebounded, with butter and AMF shipments in August above 24% and 43% respectively. WMP exports rose 24.6% YOY in August – that was the second consecutive monthly increase as import demand by the Middle East lifted. Among other key product categories, there were weaker trends in August for SMP, dry whey, infant formula and milk & cream.