Placements in feedlots during May were 14% down on 2008 at 1.64 million. Net placements were 1.54 million head, the second lowest for the month of May since these reports began in 1996.
Marketing of cattle during May was also down at 1.95 million head. This is the lowest figure for the month of May since these reports began.
Export sales of raw hides during the period under review showed China once more in their regular top position with 1,303,000 (1,414,700). With Hong Kong taking 180,100 (105,400) the region took a combined total of 1,483,100 (1,520,100). South Korea was again in second place with 534,600 (683,500).
After Hong Kong in third position, Mexico took 109,800 (98,300). Taiwan was fifth with 92,500 (314,100) followed by Thailand with 91,400 (96,500) and Japan with 46,800 (48,600).
Vietnam purchased 25,600 (83,700); India 19,300 (2,000); Italy 15,700 (127,500); Canada 14,800 (8,100); Egypt 4,200 (5,900); and Turkey with 3,400 (16,600). Bringing up the rear were Argentina with 3,200 (1,100) and the Philippines with 1,400.
In addition to the raw hides, 12,400 kip went to Holland; 10,000 calf skins to Mexico; 1,200 calf and 3,800 kip to Japan; 2,700 kip to Hong Kong; and 1,300 calf to Italy.
Sales of wet-blue for export during the period under review showed China regain top position with 136,500 (52,000); Mexico dropped into second place with 109,900 (96,200) followed by Italy with 49,5000 (83,700). Thailand bought 39,500 (22,400); Vietnam 20,500 (24,400); Korea 12,700; the Dominican Republic 4,200; Taiwan 2,400 (16,100); Indonesia took 2,000 (37,900); and Holland 1,200.
