ACCESS to many international markets gives the Australian red meat sector flexibility to adapt to changing trade conditions, industry commentators say.
The latest Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) State of the Industry Report, just released, documents industry turnover approaching $100 billion and record exports.
MLA managing director Michael Crowley said Australia exported 804,111 live cattle and 330,445 live sheep in 2025, with live cattle and sheep exports contributing around $1.1 billion to total red meat and livestock export value.
“Our access to more than 100 international markets gives the industry the flexibility to respond when global conditions change and continue directing Australian red meat to customers that value it most,” Mr Crowley said.
“That diversification will remain important as the industry navigates changing trade settings, geopolitical uncertainty and global supply chain disruption.”
He said the results came against a challenging operating environment for many producers, with variable seasonal conditions and elevated input costs.
Mr Crowley said the latest figures needed to be viewed in the context of challenging conditions for producers.
“Strong livestock prices, high processing activity and continued demand from international customers supported industry performance, despite favourable conditions in much of northern Australia contrasting with more difficult conditions across parts of southern Australia,” he said.
Agriculture minister Julie Collins said the results showed the importance of the industry to Australia’s economy.
“Despite challenges, our farmers continue to adapt, innovate and deliver for not only Australian communities, but for the countries that rely on our world-class products,” Ms Collins said.
The report noted Australian red meat and livestock exports reached a record $28.3bn in 2025, up 27% on 2024 and 72.6% above 2020 levels.
Australia remained the world’s second-largest beef exporter behind Brazil and the world’s largest exporter of both sheep meat (mutton and lamb) and goatmeat.
Beef export value rose 33.3% to $18.7bn, supported by strong international demand and tight global supply, while the United States became Australia’s largest export market for both beef and lamb by volume.
Mr Crowley said producers and the broader supply chain continued to operate in a challenging and changing environment.
“Biosecurity, geopolitical tensions, market access challenges including safeguards and tariffs, global supply chain disruption and rising input costs all influence how Australian red meat competes in the years ahead,” he said.