Australian red meat exports are on track to set new records this year, jumping by more than 10 percent in 12 months.
The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) shows beef and veal exports were expected to reach $13.9 billion in 2024–25.
Federal Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Julie Collins said this was a 12 percent increase from the previous record set in 2023-24.
Minister Collins said the boost of red meat exports was forecast to push the overall value of agriculture, fisheries and forestry to $94.3 billion, the second-highest on record.
She said the United States was the largest destination market for Australian beef and veal, worth $3.3 billion in 2023-24, followed by China worth $2.2 billion and Japan worth $2 billion.
“Exports in 2024-25 are being driven by strong demand from the United States, Japan and South Korea.
“Lower supply from the United States is promoting improved prices and competitiveness for Australian producers in international markets.”
Minister Collins said Australian lamb and mutton exports were the highest on record in 2023-24 by a large margin, with the United States the largest market for lamb, while China remained the largest market for mutton.
She said the largest increase across both lamb and mutton exports was to the Middle East and North Africa region.
“The trend of exporting more sheep meat to the Middle East is expected to rise further after the trade deal with the United Arab Emirates that will slash tariffs to zero for red meat exports.”
Minster Collins said the strong international demand for Australian meat had lifted livestock prices, while good production conditions in the last few years had meant high availability of livestock.
