Meat & Livestock Australia has released its 2024 Global Goat Snapshot, providing an analysis of Australia's role in the global goatmeat market.
The snapshot delves into the details of supply and demand, offering an overview of the essential aspects such as domestic production, supply volumes, pricing, export figures, and market access conditions.
Australian production and supply
In 2023, Australian goat production reached a record high. Following a 20-year low in 2020, both goatmeat production and the number of animals processed more than doubled over three years, culminating in the highest production volume ever recorded in the country.
This surge was driven by sustained favourable conditions that led to an expansion of the flock size, boosting supply volumes. Although goatmeat had enjoyed record-high prices since mid-2019, a combination of factors led to a decline in prices in 2023.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), goat slaughter in 2023 increased by 41% year-on-year, reaching a total of 2,364,307 head.
Australian exports
Globally, Australia stands out as the world's leading goatmeat exporter. In 2023, the country exported its second-highest volume of goatmeat on record, just 2,000 tonnes shy of the peak year in 2014.
While more competitive prices bolstered export volumes, they also led to a 10% decrease in total export value compared to the record-high year of 2022.
The United States remains the largest market for Australian goatmeat, though its market share has dropped to its lowest in 20 years. Meanwhile, Mainland China has surged to become the second largest market, followed by South Korea, which has seen rapid growth for the fifth consecutive year.
North America
The US is by far Australia's largest export market, and Canada is a notable destination. During Australia's low production years, competitors significantly increased their goatmeat exports to the US.
Australian exports recovered and offered more competitive prices, demand for other suppliers' goatmeat plummeted, and Australia increased its market domination.
While goatmeat is a niche protein with low awareness among the general public, demand is skewed to the large populations of several ethnic backgrounds and specific cities. To find out more, go to the Snapshot.
South Korea
South Korea has been growing demand for Australian goatmeat since 2019 and has become a crucial market for Australia.
In the past three years, it recorded record high volume and value and accounted for 25% of the total export value in 2023, making it the second most valuable market after the US.
Increasing consumer interest in overall health and the positive health association of goatmeat have been significant drivers of the demand for Australian goatmeat.
Taiwan
Taiwan has been a long-standing trade partner, with Australia supplying almost all of Taiwan's goatmeat imports and two-thirds of the domestic consumption.
Taiwan primarily imports skin on carcasses, which are typically consumed in winter due to the product's association with body strengthening and warming properties.
China mainland
In 2023, China, the world's largest producer of goatmeat, significantly increased its demand for Australian goatmeat, becoming the second-largest market.
This surge was supported by the elimination of tariffs, competitive pricing, and the unique opportunity to showcase the product at the 2023 May Day BBQ festival.
The Caribbean
The Caribbean has a large goat flock and a long tradition of enjoying goatmeat. Australia has been a reliable supplier to Trinidad and Tobago for more than 30 years. More affordable Australian goatmeat prices have boosted the demand from this market in 2023.
Live export
Australia’s live goat exports rebounded in demand in 2023, driven by increased animal availability and affordable prices. In 2023, Australia exported $7 million worth of goats, primarily to Malaysia and China.