wheat exports massively down

I got this report off of ABC News website today (2/12). It was posted as a link from ShareCafe homepage. This has to hit the AWB!

Last Update: Friday, December 2, 2005. 12:40pm (AEDT)
Wheat exports fall as US flexes muscle
Australian wheat exports to three key markets are down more than 80 per cent on last year.

Figures from the United States Department of Agriculture point to a big drop in Australian sales to China, Pakistan and Iraq, due to competition from the US and countries in the Black Sea region.

Those three countries bought a quarter of Australia's total wheat exports last year, with the pressure now on to find markets for this year's bumper crop.

David Ginns, from the Grains Council of Australia, says while the figures are worrying, they are not unexpected.

"Obviously each market has its own particular characteristics," he said.

"We've got full confidence in the managers of the export to ensure that Australian wheat is being sold at or above current export prices.

"US wheat associates, they are trying to disadvantage Australia's wheat export interests not only in Iraq but in all markets around the world.

"We think that's a little bit much from a country that's supposed to be a great ally of Australia."

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