Australia once again sets export record for beef

The Australian beef export reached a historic level in 2025. Once again, the United States was the largest buyer. Despite the prospect of lower exports to China, the Australian industry organization for the meat sector MLA estimates the opportunities for 2026 to be favorable. With a total volume of 1,545,784 tons, exports were 15% higher than in 2024, according to data from the MLA. Both grass-fed and grain-fed beef recorded new calendar year records, driven by strong international demand and solid domestic production. Exports of grass-fed beef increased by 13% compared to the previous year to 1,096,456 tons. Grain-fed beef saw an even greater increase of 20% and totaled 449,292 tons. In addition, Australia exported to the highest number of countries since 2015. In total, Australian beef was exported to 83 countries in 2025. United States largest buyer The United States remained the primary market for Australian beef in 2025. Exports to the U.S. increased by 15% compared to 2024, reaching 453,292 tons. This growth is related to a decline in domestic beef production in the U.S. Similar to last year, the American malaise also benefits the Australian sector in a second way. Due to lower American production, Australian beef has gained market share in existing markets while simultaneously opening new sales channels. Also outside the U.S., the demand for Australian beef remained strong, particularly in the Asian market. Exports to China increased by 41% to 272,940 tons. However, this presents a risk, as China has set a quota for Australian meat for the coming years that is significantly lower than last year's exports. Japan imported 257,379 tons of Australian beef, 4% more than a year earlier, while South Korea imported 10% more, totaling 221,350 tons. Less competition expected in 2026 Looking ahead to 2026, the MLA estimates the outlook to be favorable despite lower sales to China. Major beef exporters are expected to reduce their exports. In the U.S., the slaughter of cows and heifers is at a high level, despite declining production volumes. This indicates that the rebuilding of the American herd has not yet begun, according to the MLA. In Brazil, production seems to have peaked in 2025, the MLA observes. If that is not the case, the organization believes that exports will peak in 2026. Record-high slaughter numbers of cows and heifers, combined with a shrinking cattle herd for several years, support this view.