Australian beef exports keep breaking records

Australian beef exports surged in March, reaching one of the highest monthly levels on record. Strong demand from key markets, particularly the United States and China, combined with high slaughter rates, supported the near-record performance. Despite some logistical and weather-related disruptions earlier in the quarter, export volumes were once again at record level.In March 2026, Australia’s beef exports totaled 149,973 tonnes, just shy of the all-time monthly record slightly above 150,000 tonnes. This strong performance was underpinned by elevated national slaughter rates since late February. Grainfed beef exports were particularly notable, reaching a record 45,982 tonnes for the month, marginally surpassing the previous peak set in December.For the first quarter of 2026, Australian beef exports reached 365,199 tonnes, marking a new all-time record for the January–March period. This represents a 17% increase compared to the same period last year, which had previously held the record. The strong quarterly result is especially noteworthy given the disruptions caused by flooding and wet weather in Queensland during February, which impacted processing capacity.United States and China drive export performance The United States remained the primary driver of Australia’s export growth in March. Total shipments to the US reached 42,043 tonnes of chilled and frozen beef, an increase of approximately 10,000 tonnes or 30% compared to March 2025. Demand continues to be supported by historically low US cattle herd levels, which are currently near 70-year lows. While March volumes were strong, they remained below the exceptional levels seen during the 2015 drought period, when exports briefly exceeded 47,000 tonnes per month.China also remained a key market, although March volumes were somewhat lower than expected. Exports totaled 32,907 tonnes, making it the third-highest monthly volume on record. Market expectations had pointed toward shipments exceeding 40,000 tonnes, driven by anticipation of Australia nearing its 2026 quota of 205,000 tonnes. Some market participants expect stronger shipment volumes in the coming months as exporters accelerate deliveries. For the first quarter, exports to China reached 76,562 tonnes, accounting for approximately 37% of Australia’s annual quota. However, official import statistics may differ slightly due to the classification of certain beef-related products, such as bones and other derived items, which are not fully captured in standard beef and veal shipment data.Strong performance in Northeast Asia Japan and South Korea both recorded strong import growth in March, supported by tight global supply, particularly from the United States. Japan imported 23,861 tonnes of Australian beef, an increase of more than 5,100 tonnes or 27% year-on-year. South Korea posted even stronger growth, with imports reaching 25,543 tonnes, up 9,200 tonnes or 56% compared to March last year, approaching record levels.In contrast, exports to the Middle East declined significantly in March due to ongoing logistical challenges linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Total shipments to the region’s seven key markets fell to just 1,644 tonnes, representing a 47% decrease compared to the same month last year. While some volumes were redirected via air freight, this only partially offset the disruption in sea freight routes.Mixed results in smaller markets Performance in smaller and emerging markets was more varied. Indonesia imported 3,314 tonnes of Australian beef in March, a decline of 35% year-on-year, as increased availability of lower-priced Brazilian beef intensified competition.In contrast, exports to Canada showed strong growth, reaching 4,478 tonnes, up 57% compared to March 2025. This reflects continued demand in North America beyond the United States, supported by tight domestic supply conditions.