Last year was the largest year for red meat exports in history, with records set for beef, lamb, mutton and goatmeat, according to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).


In 2024, Australia exported 2.24 million tonnes of red meat to 104 countries, representing the largest volume of red meat ever exported. High volumes were exported across all red meat categories:


Beef exports reached 1.34 million tonnes.


Lamb exports reached 359,229 tonnes.


Mutton exports reached 255,098 tonnes.


Goatmeat exports reached 51,489 tonnes.


MLA Global Supply Analyst Tim Jackson said the latest data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry highlighted Australia’s strong reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality red meat, with overseas demand remaining strong as domestic supply rose.


“In 2024, the cattle herd and sheep flock both reached maturity, and slaughter lifted substantially,” Mr Jackson said.


“At the same time, the global supply landscape was favourable for Australia, with beef exports from the United States easing as the American cattle herd reached a 72-year low following years of drought.


“Global economic pressures continue to affect consumer confidence. However, high levels of trust and an industry-wide dedication to quality has driven demand for Australian red meat internationally.”


Australia’s market access position was also important in driving exports. 87% of exports went to countries with which Australia has a free trade agreement, including 95% of our beef exports.


The United States was the largest market for beef, lamb and goatmeat, while China was the largest market for mutton in 2024.


Beef


Beef exports reached 1.34 million tonnes, 22% higher than 2023 exports and 4% higher than the previous record of 1.29 million tonnes set in 2014.


The strongest growth was seen in the United States, where exports lifted 60% to 394,716 tonnes, and Southeast Asia, where exports lifted 33% to 177,684 tonnes.


Exports of Australian grainfed beef also broke records with 375,195 tonnes of grainfed beef exported last year. Record high capacity and numbers of cattle on feed have translated into strong turnoff figures over 2024, leading to strong supply and high exports.


Lamb


Australian exports of lamb exports rose to 359,299 tonnes, 10% higher than the previous record set in 2023.


The United States was the largest market for lamb at 85,133 tonnes, followed by China at 53,478 tonnes and the United Arab Emirates at 27,268 tonnes.


Strong growth was also seen in exports to the United Kingdom, rising 44% in the first year of the full implementation of the Australian-United Kingdom free trade agreement to 13,668 tonnes.


Mutton


Mutton exports rose to 255,098 tonnes, which is 22% higher than the previous record set in 2023.


China remained the largest market for Australian mutton, taking 95,622 tonnes.


Malaysia was the second largest market, with exports at 26,953 tonnes, followed by the United States of America with exports of 19,077 tonnes.


Overall, sheepmeat exports rose 15% from 2023 to 614,396 tonnes, which is the highest sheepmeat export figure from any single country on record.


Goatmeat


Exports of goatmeat totalled 51,489 tonnes, which is the highest figure on record.


The United States was the largest market for Australian goatmeat, with exports totalling 27,599 tonnes, followed by South Korea at 8639 tonnes and China at 5161


tonnes.


Australian goatmeat exports were 44% higher in 2024 than the previous record, set in 2014.