Australia has broken the record for the highest volume of beef exported in a calendar year, with year-to-date exports reaching 1.398 million tonnes. This milestone reflects demand for Australian red meat and the industry’s domestic productive capacity.
The US remains Australia’s largest beef export destination, with 412,068 tonnes shipped so far this year, up 17 per cent year on year, despite the implementation of a 10 per cent tariff on Australian exports including beef, which has been removed.
While the tariff was in place, Australian beef exports remained steady due to US demand and low domestic beef production in that market.
Japan and Korea continued to deliver steady demand, up 2 per cent and 10 per cent year-on-year respectively, while other markets across Asia and the Middle East also contributed to the record year. Grain-fed beef exports also reached a record, totalling 403,860 tonnes, an increase of 19 per cent year-on-year.
Goat meat exports have also set a new record, with 54,699 tonnes shipped year to date, up 16 per cent. November 2025 was the largest month recorded for goat meat exports, with 5,923 tonnes shipped globally.
Goat meat continues to play a role in Australia’s red meat portfolio, particularly in meeting the needs of diverse consumer groups across North America, Asia and the Middle East.
“These results reflect the strength of Australia’s production systems and the commitment of our producers,” said Meat and Livestock Australia’s general manager for international markets, Andrew Cox.
“Australian red meat continues to be trusted and valued across a wide range of international markets, and we’re well positioned to build on this momentum.”
While beef and goatmeat exports have increased, lamb exports reached 316,065 tonnes year to date, down 5 per cent, while mutton totalled 193,641 tonnes, down 16 per cent.
November lamb exports were 26,337 tonnes, slightly below last year, with strong growth into North America where shipments rose 15 per cent year on year to 8,730 tonnes, including 7,732 tonnes to the US.
Greater China also recorded steady lamb demand, with November exports up 11 per cent year on year to 5,204 tonnes, and year to date volumes up 19 per cent to 61,053 tonnes.
In contrast, lamb exports to the Middle East and North Africa fell 27 per cent year to date to 62,847 tonnes, while mutton exports to the region rose 3 per cent year to date to 60,256 tonnes, driven by demand from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in November.
MLA’s international marketing programs continue to support awareness and preference for Australian red meat across major markets including the United States, China, Japan and Korea.
“Global demand for beef is surging, and Australia is perfectly positioned to meet this momentum into 2026 thanks to record production levels and our reputation for integrity and quality,” said Cox.