BEEF exports from Australia have broken the record for the highest volume in one year, up 15% year-on-year to reach almost 1.4 million tonnes (Mt).
The milestone was driven by global demand for high quality Australian red meat and the industry’s strong production capacity.
The United States remains Australia’s largest beef export destination, with 412,068 tonnes shipped so far this year, up 17% year-on-year.
This growth is particularly significant given the10% tariff imposed on Australian exports, including beef, which has since been removed.
While the tariff was in place, Australian beef exports remained strong and resilient due to exceptionally strong US demand and exacerbated by historically low American beef production.
According to the Meat and Livestock Association, the result demonstrated the premium positioning of Australian beef and the willingness of US buyers to pay for quality.
Japan and Korea continued to deliver steady demand, up 2% and 10% year-on-year respectively, while other markets across Asia and the Middle East also contributed to the record-breaking year.
Grainfed beef exports also hit a record, totalling 403,860 tonnes, an increase of 19%, emphasising the premium positioning of Australian grainfed beef internationally.
Goat meat exports also reached new heights, with 54,699 tonnes shipped year to date, up 16%.
November 2025 was the biggest month ever for goatmeat exports, with 5,923 tonnes exported globally.
Goatmeat plays an increasingly important role in Australia’s red meat portfolio, particularly in meeting the needs of diverse consumer bases across North America, Asia, and the Middle East.
Its versatility and alignment with cultural preferences make it a key growth category, helping Australian producers tap into expanding global protein demand.
MLA general manager for international markets Andrew Cox said the record-breaking results highlight the competitiveness of Australian red meat on the global stage.
“These results reflect the strength of Australia’s production systems and the commitment of our producers,” he said.
“Australian red meat continues to be trusted and valued across a wide range of international markets, and we’re well positioned to build on this momentum.”
While beef and goatmeat exports have soared, lamb and mutton exports softened slightly compared with last year, though lamb performed marginally better than expected thanks to a strong spring flush and robust demand.
Lamb exports reached 316,065 tonnes year to date, down 5%, while mutton totalled 193,641 tonnes, down 16%.
November lamb exports were 26,337 tonnes, slightly below last year, with strong growth into North America where shipments rose 15% year-on-year to 8,730 tonnes, including 7,732 tonnes to the US.
Greater China also recorded solid lamb demand, with November exports up 11% year-on-year to 5,204 tonnes, and year-to-date volumes up 19% to 61,053 tonnes.
In contrast, lamb exports to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) fell sharply, down 27% year-to-date to 62,847 tonnes, while mutton exports to MENA bucked the trend, rising 3% year-to-date to 60,256 tonnes.
The demand was driven by strong demand from Saudi Arabia and the UAE in November.
MLA’s international marketing programs are said to play an important role in building awareness and preference for Australian red meat across major markets including the US, China, Japan and Korea.
“Global demand for beef is surging, and Australia is perfectly positioned to meet this momentum into 2026 thanks to record production levels and our reputation for integrity and quality,” Mr Cox said.