Global appetite for Australian red meat continues at pace: New records in exports for FY2024–25

Australia’s red meat industry exported new record volumes of beef and mutton in the 2024-2025 financial year.

According to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), total beef and veal exports for the financial year reached 1.4 million tonnes, the highest annual volume ever. Mutton exports also hit a new record at 256,104 tonnes. Lamb exports totalled 363,109 tonnes, making it the second-largest financial year for lamb exports.

June 2025 alone saw 134,593 tonnes of beef exported, marking the highest monthly beef export volume ever. This figure represents a 4% increase from May, and a 27% rise compared to June 2024.

According to MLA Managing Director Michael Crowley, these results reflect the strength of global demand for Australia’s red meat sector.

“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.

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“These results are underpinned by the industry’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation, as well as the strength of our trade relationships.”

Total red meat exports in June 2025 reached 209,074 tonnes, 20% higher than the same month last year. Chilled exports rose 11% year-on-year to 44,715 tonnes, while frozen exports increased 22% to 164,359 tonnes.

Beef exports to the United States were particularly strong, totalling 35,343 tonnes in June, which is 23% higher than the same month last year.

“Despite facing the 10% 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.

Other key markets also saw significant growth in June, including South Korea and South-East Asia which recorded increases of 16% and 20% respectively.

Lamb exports in June totalled 32,437 tonnes, 4% higher than June 2024 despite a seasonal dip from May. Exports to Greater China rose 53% year-on-year, and exports to Canada jumped 93%.

Grainfed beef exports rose 29% year-on-year to 39,886 tonnes, and grassfed exports climbed 26% 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.”