Australia is not kidding around, extending its lead as the world’s largest exporter of goatmeat.
Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) 2025 Global Goat Snapshot shows Australian goatmeat production surged 47 percent year-on-year to 54,017 tonnes, the highest volume ever recorded.
MLA Managing Director Michael Crowley said Australia’s goatmeat production had boomed in recent years at the same time that demand had soared from overseas markets.
Mr Crowley said exports climbed 53 percent to a record 51,489 tonnes in 2024, with export value rising 50 percent to $354 million.
He said this was 40 percent higher than the previous high set in 2022.
“Australia accounts for 55 percent of global goatmeat exports by volume, far ahead of competitors such as Kenya and Ethiopia, which represent 22 percent and 13 percent respectively of the global export market.”
Mr Crowley said Australia’s growth had been driven by favourable seasonal conditions in key production areas leading to a rapid increase in flock size, and the expansion of processing capacity, with total goat slaughter in Australia rising 41 percent to 3.4 million head in 2024.
“Australia has tripled goatmeat production since 2020 and also set a new benchmark for global supply,” he said.
“Our goatmeat is highly regarded for its quality and sustainability credentials which are resonating strongly with buyers and consumers worldwide.”
He said key markets included:
- United States: Australia’s largest market, receiving over 27,500 tonnes in 2024, a 90 percent year-on-year increase. Demand continues to grow in ethnically diverse cities particularly in the east and west coasts of the US.
- South Korea: Imports rose 44 percent to a record 8639 tonnes. Australian goatmeat is highly valued for its health benefits, especially during the traditional summer Sambok period.
- China: Despite a dip from 2023 peaks, China remains the third-largest market with over 5100 tonnes imported in 2024. Trading dynamics are expected to support future growth.
- The Caribbean: Trinidad & Tobago imported over 2000 tonnes, making it Australia’s fifth-largest market.
Mr Crowley said in comparison to other proteins, goatmeat was less prevalent in Australian meals, with around 5 percent of all goatmeat produced remaining in Australia last year.
“However, there has been a long, steady upward trend in the average number of goatmeat serves over the years.”
