Normal trade between Australia and Indonesia is continuing despite speculation to the contrary.

Recent diplomatic tensions between the two countries over asylum seekers and spying operations have caused some export industries to become nervous.

However, with a live cattle shipment leaving for Indonesia today, it appears business is moving ahead unhindered.

Road trains are moving thousands of cattle onto the ship Ocean Drover, which are part of some 200,000 head to leave for Indonesia this year.

While there was some delay last week for exporters in obtaining import permits, the massive boat, which can hold up to 18,000 head, will leave for Jakarta soon.

David O'Hare, the livestock manager with exporter Austrex, which is loading cattle along with Wellard Rural Exports, says most of the stock will be heading for the Indonesian feedlots.

"The majority of them are Brahman feeder cattle under the 350 kilograms, but there is a small portion of heavier cattle that we are shipping at the present time," he said.

Live cattle exports had recently showed signs of turning a corner, with Indonesia loosening its tight restrictions on the trade.

Import permit numbers have been increased, which also included slaughter-ready cattle over 350 kilograms.

It has put a spring in the step of most northern cattle producers, and although recent diplomatic developments might have some in the industry nervous, for exporter Austrex, it's business as usual.

"In the last six to eight weeks it has become evident that we're operating in a bit more of a stable environment.

"We know the permits are in front of us, we've just got to put the cattle on the ships," Mr O'Hare said.

The Ocean Drover is loaded with Australian cattle before it leaves for Jakarta. ( Carl Curtain )

"Our relationships are older than two, three, four, five years, they're 20 years.

"Twenty years we've been dealing with some of these customers, so certainly that stands for a lot and it will do going forward as well," he said.

Besides live cattle, boxed beef and wheat exports are also key components to Australia's trade with Indonesia.

Major grain handler CBH and meat exporter Sanger Australia have both confirmed to ABC Rural that shipments are expected to continue as normal.

Economist Tim Harcourt, from the University of New South Wales, has just returned from the Indonesia Australia Business Conference in Bali.

He says it's unlikely the trade of these staple foods will stop.

"Given their demand for food security, it's in their interests to keep the supply of beef coming and the supply of grains and wheats," he said.

Mr Harcourt says ultimately, the continuation of such trades will depend on the strength of the business partnerships, as well as those at a state and territory government level.

"We can't just rely on Jakarta and Canberra to do everything.

"The Northern Territory, including the beef producers, were at the Indonesia Australia Business Conference as well so the territory and state governments have pretty strong representation in Indonesia, and that's a good thing," he said.

As exporter Austrex signs off on another load of cattle leaving Darwin, the speculation on the trade with Indonesia is not the company's priority.

David O'Hare says his main concern is finding enough cattle to fill the permit numbers being issued.

"During the winter months, we were probably struggling to put permits together, but now of course there have been a few changes and a few permits made available.

"The wet season is coming, which makes the availability and access a bit difficult for some properties," he said.