While September 2008 was a slow month for lamb exports due to the onset of the global financial crisis and exchange rate volatility, the $A during September 2009 averaged 5pc higher year-on-year, at US86¢.

MLA says Australian lamb exports during the first nine months of 2009 totalled 119,466 tonnes swt, 12pc higher than for the same period last year and 5pc higher than the same period in 2007 – the year Australian lamb exports hit a record 161,037 tonnes swt.

Lamb exports to the Middle East maintained their momentum during September, increasing 39pc year-on-year, to 3,657 tonnes swt.

Contributing to the rise has been the development of cold chain storage capabilities in Jordan, which have boosted chilled exports to the region.

Continued government spending (particularly on infrastructure) in the region has also been supporting Arab consumer spending and hence lamb consumption.

Australian lamb exports to the US during September increased 15pc year-on-year, to 2,861 tonnes swt, while shipments to the EU increased 52pc, to 1,639 tonnes swt.

Contributing to the higher sales to these markets during the month was the tight New Zealand lamb supply.

Similarly, lamb exports to China increased 16pc, to 1,119 tonnes swt, while shipments to Papua New Guinea were 80pc higher, at 1,008 tonnes swt.