Australian beef exports in July smashed the previous highest monthly total which was had been set the previous month. Volumes increased by almost 16,000 tonnes to 150,435 tonnes for the month and this was over 20,000 tonnes higher than was exported in July last year.

The US continues as Australia’s number one export market destination, taking 43,017 tonnes in deliveries to both the east and west coast and this was up from 38,507 tonnes in July 2024. With US exports to China greatly disrupted by tariffs and factories unable to renew export licenses, Australia has benefited to the extent of nearly doubling the amount of beef exported to China.

In July, 30,925 tonnes was exported to China compared with 16,248 tonnes in July 2024. Despite a drop of 12% compared with June last year, Japan remains Australia’s third most important export market for beef. In June 23,055 tonnes was shipped to Japan while South Korea took 20,859 tonnes which was slightly more than in June 2024.

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Spectacular increase in exports to UK

The UK market has been growing for Australian beef and sheep meat exports since the commencement of tariff free quotas at the start of June 2023. In July this year, Australia exported 2,246 tonnes of beef to the UK which is almost four times the 574 tonnes that was exported in June 2024. The UK remains a small beef export market in the context of overall Australian beef exports but it is demonstrating potential for rapid growth.

Reasons for export record

Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), who perform a promotion role for Australian meat in a similar way to what Bord Bia do for Irish beef, has commented on what is the new monthly record for the fourth time in the past year. It highlights that the Australia’s reputation for safety and quality makes Australian beef an attractive choice for international customers.

They also point out the favourable supply situation. Weekly slaughter numbers are regularly above 150,000 head since April, which is below the previous all time peak period of 2014/15. MLA explains the reason for greater volume of beef compared with then is down to carcase weights, which are running at 313kg on average in the first quarter of 2025, 30kg more than a decade ago.

MLA also highlights that apart from Brazil, all of the world’s major beef exporting countries have shipped less volume in the first half of 2025. Argentina is down 17% while up to the end of May, Canadian beef exports were down 9%, US was down 6% and New Zealand was down 2%. This means that despite more Australian (and Brazilian) beef being sold in international markets, supplies are still relatively tight.

Sheep meat exports

Australia exported 41,340 tonnes of sheep meat in July which was significantly lower than the 52,109 tonnes exported in the same month last year. It is also the lowest monthly total of any month this year though as Australia is the opposite season for lamb production to Europe, less volumes are expected this time of year.

Comment – Golden age for Australian meat exports

Despite July being a relatively quiet month for sheep meat exports, Australia comfortably remains the world’s largest sheep meat exporter ahead of New Zealand in second place.

Australian beef normally competes with the US in the battle for second place behind Brazil but in 2025 lower US beef export volumes combined with higher than average Australian exports means Australia is undisputed number two beef exporter. What will always be of note to Irish farmers and exporters is their performance in the UK and European Union.

Trade negotiations with the EU are at an advanced stage and a deal may be concluded before the end of this year. In the meantime, there are huge tariff free quotas for Australian beef and sheep meat in the UK. These have been well utilised since the deal came into effect just over two years ago. There are month on month increases and in July the UK was a substantial market for both Australian beef and sheep meat having started from a very low base two years ago.