Australia’s red meat sector has shrugged off US tariffs to deliver record-breaking export volumes across beef, mutton, and lamb in the 2024–2025 financial year, driven by soaring international demand and strong trade performance in key markets.
According to new figures released by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), total beef and veal exports reached 1.4 million tonnes for the year, the highest annual volume ever recorded. Mutton exports also set a new record at 256,104 tonnes, while lamb exports hit 363,109 tonnes — the second-largest financial year total on record.
June 2025 was particularly strong for beef, with 134,593 tonnes exported in a single month — a 4 per cent increase on May, and up 27 per cent compared to June 2024. It marked the largest monthly volume of beef exports ever recorded.
MLA Managing Director Michael Crowley said the results reflected the strength of the Australian red meat industry and its ability to thrive in a competitive global environment.
“Achieving record exports across both beef and sheepmeat in a single financial year is not just a milestone — it’s a reflection of Australia’s resilience and agility in a competitive global market,” Mr Crowley said.
“We’ve seen double-digit growth in chilled and frozen exports, strong performance across both grassfed and grainfed beef, and significant increases in key markets like Mainland China, South Korea, and the United States.
“These results are underpinned by the industry’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation, as well as the strength of our trade relationships.”
Despite the 10 per cent tariff on Australian red meat imposed by the United States during Donald Trump’s re-election campaign, demand for Australian beef in the US remains strong. Beef exports to the United States in June totalled 35,343 tonnes, up 23 per cent from the same time last year.
“Despite facing the 10 per cent imposed tariff by the United States, Australian red meat continues to command strong demand, enhanced by our international reputation for product quality, safety, and supply chain integrity,” Mr Crowley said.
June also saw total red meat exports hit 209,074 tonnes, a 20 per cent increase from the same month in 2024. Chilled exports rose 11 per cent year-on-year to 44,715 tonnes, while frozen exports climbed 22 per cent to 164,359 tonnes.
Other regions also posted impressive growth. Exports to South Korea rose 16 per cent year-on-year, and South-East Asia recorded a 20 per cent increase. Lamb exports in June totalled 32,437 tonnes — 4 per cent higher than June 2024 — despite a seasonal dip from May.
Exports to Greater China rose 53 per cent year-on-year, while lamb shipments to Canada surged by 93 per cent.
Grainfed beef exports in June climbed 29 per cent compared to the same time last year, totalling 39,886 tonnes. Grassfed beef exports were also strong, up 26 per cent to 94,707 tonnes.
“These figures show that Australia is maintaining its position as a global leader in red meat exports but expanding upon it,” Mr Crowley said.
“With continued focus in sustainability, quality assurance, and strategic market access, Australia is well-positioned to build on this momentum through the second half of 2025 and beyond.”
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