NT disappointed by Indonesia cattle quota

The Northern Territory government is "disappointed" that Indonesia has significantly reduced its live cattle quota but says it respects the government's decision.

Indonesia is the largest and longest-term trading partner for NT live cattle, Chief Minister Adam Giles said on Tuesday.

But he said the decision to reduce the quota to only a fifth of what Indonesia took this time last year highlights the importance of having a range of diversified markets across Asia.

"On behalf of all pastoralists, the Northern Territory government is disappointed to hear that live cattle quotas to Indonesia have been reduced significantly from this time last year, however respects the decision of the Indonesian government," he said.

He said the NT would target other Asian markets, of which Vietnam has emerged as a key player.

Primary Industry Minister Willem Westra van Holthe said next month he plans to visit Cambodia and Thailand to promote NT live cattle exports "and reinforce the NT's disease-free status and the quality of NT cattle", he said.

He also intends to go to Jakarta to meet the Indonesian ministers for trade, agriculture, maritime affairs and fisheries to discuss the quota system and improve results for NT cattlemen.