Last year was the largest year for red meat exports in history, with records set for beef, lamb, mutton and goat meat, according to Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).
In 2024, Australia exported 2.24 million tonnes of red meat to 104 countries, representing the largest volume of red meat ever exported. High volumes were exported across all red meat categories:
– Beef exports reached 1.34 million tonnes.
– Lamb exports reached 359,229 tonnes.
– Mutton exports reached 255,098 tonnes.
– Goat meat exports reached 51,489 tonnes.
Global Supply Analyst at MLA Tim Jackson said the latest data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry highlighted Australia’s strong reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality red meat, with overseas demand remaining strong as domestic supply rose.
“In 2024, the cattle herd and sheep flock both reached maturity, and slaughter lifted substantially,” Mr Jackson said.
“At the same time, the global supply landscape was favourable for Australia, with beef exports from the United States easing as the American cattle herd reached a 72-year low following years of drought.
“Global economic pressures continue to affect consumer confidence. However, high levels of trust and an industry-wide dedication to quality has driven demand for Australian red meat internationally.”
Australia’s market access position was also important in driving exports. Eighty-seven per cent of exports went to countries with which Australia has a free trade agreement, including 95 per cent of our beef exports.
The United States was the largest market for beef, lamb and goat meat, while China was the largest market for mutton in 2024.
BEEF
Beef exports reached 1.34 million tonnes, 22 per cent higher than 2023 exports and 4 per cent higher than the previous record of 1.29 million tonnes set in 2014.
The strongest growth was seen in the United States, where exports lifted 60 per cent to 394,716 tonnes, and Southeast Asia, where exports lifted 33 per cent to 177,684 tonnes.
Exports of Australian grain-fed beef also broke records with 375,195 tonnes of grain-fed beef exported last year. Record high capacity and numbers of cattle on feed have translated into strong turnoff figures over 2024, leading to strong supply and high exports.
LAMB
Australian exports of lamb exports rose to 359,299 tonnes, 10 per cent higher than the previous record set in 2023.
The United States was the largest market for lamb at 85,133 tonnes, followed by China at 53,478 tonnes and the United Arab Emirates at 27,268 tonnes.
Strong growth was also seen in exports to the United Kingdom, rising 44 per cent in the first year of the full implementation of the Australian-United Kingdom free trade agreement to 13,668 tonnes.
MUTTON
Mutton exports rose to 255,098 tonnes, which is 22 per cent higher than the previous record set in 2023.
China remained the largest market for Australian mutton, taking 95,622 tonnes. Malaysia was the second largest market, with exports at 26,953 tonnes, followed by the United States with exports or 19,077 tonnes.
Overall, sheep meat exports rose 15 per cent from 2023 to 614,396 tonnes, which is the highest sheep meat export figure from any single country on record.
GOAT MEAT
Exports of goat meat totalled 51,489 tonnes, which is the highest figure on record.
The United States was the largest market for Australian goat meat, with exports totalling 27,599 tonnes, followed by South Korea at 8639 tonnes and China at 5161 tonnes.
Australian goat meat exports were 44 per cent higher in 2024 than the previous record, set in 2014.
