MLA has released the global market snapshots for 2025, providing an updated overview of Australia’s competitive advantages and growth opportunities in key global markets.
US meat consumption per capita. Source: 2025 MLA global market snapshots.
Miho Kondo, MLA’s Manager of Global Market Insights, said the snapshots provide the industry with easy access to up-to-date market and consumer insights on Australia’s key global markets for red meat.
MLA’s Insights and International Markets teams play a key role in supporting efforts to grow demand and preference for Aussie red meat via an in-depth understanding of target consumers and market dynamics.
A record-breaking 2024 and strong 2025 outlook for exports
In 2024, Australian red meat volume totaled a record of just over 2.2 million shipped weight tonnes – valued at a historic high of just over A$20.1 billion for the 12 months ending November. This meat was exported to over 100 destinations and constituted an estimated 74% of Australia’s total beef production and 78% of sheepmeat.
Looking ahead to 2025, MLA’s September 2024 Cattle and Sheep Industry Projections anticipate Australia will export around 1% more beef compared to 2024 and around 13% more mutton, though some 6% less lamb, coming off a record-high year.
Large established market insights
Domestic Australian market
Australians continue to be among the world’s biggest per capita consumers of red meat, with the domestic market being the single largest market for Australian beef and sheepmeat.
Cost of living pressures have seen Australians shift their dining-out habits through both trading down to more affordable options but still splurging at premium establishments on occasion. Retail shopping has seen a similar increase in demand for cheaper products such as mince, but also some growth in sales of various “affordable premium” options, particularly as an alternative to dining out.
There are opportunities to increase red meat consumption among Australia’s ‘CALD (Culturally And Linguistically Diverse)’ communities, which make up a growing proportion of the population.
United States (US):
In 2024, the US imported a record volume of red meat, including significantly greater volumes from Australia, due largely to a domestic production shortage. The past year consistently saw double-digit growth for grassfed beef in retail from increased availability and presence of grassfed beef in stores. To US consumers, grassfed beef is seen as a ‘better for me’ and more natural option compared to conventional beef. The US was also the largest market for lamb, with more restaurants across different foodservice segments adopting lamb to cater for and target changing patron demographics.
China Mainland:
Australia’s market access to mainland China improved in 2024, with temporary export suspensions lifted on six plants and two new plants approved for export. In response to slower economic growth, consumers have become more cautious in their discretionary spending. Demand for Australian red meat softened, with 2024 volumes down on 2023 across all species except for offal. Despite this, long-term import demand drivers are strong. China’s affluent consumer base is forecast to continue to expand, along with a growing appreciation for premium red meat products, not just for special occasions but, increasingly, for every day at home.
Japan:
Japan was the second largest beef export market for Australia in 2024. However, the proportion of lower-value products increased, impacted by sticky inflation, a weakened Yen and slow real wage growth continuing to weigh on Japanese consumer spending. Despite the challenges, Australia has benefited from softened competition from the US, increasing our market share in the imported beef market. A surge in inbound tourism to record levels supported foodservice operators, particularly casual and mid-range restaurants where Australian beef is commonly used.
Korea:
Australian beef exports to the Korean market were strong in 2024, triggering the beef safeguard volume earlier than usual. Despite challenges, Korea was the third largest beef export market for Australia in 2024, up 6% from the previous year. Long known for their love of beef, more Koreans are also enjoying sheepmeat, particularly through foodservice. Whilst Korea has been among Australia’s fastest-growing lamb markets in recent years, 2024 saw softer demand due to cost of living pressures.
Emerging market insights:
A significantly larger proportion of Australian red meat was shipped to destinations outside of the top three markets in 2024 (47% versus 41% in 2019), driven by the young, expanding and increasingly affluent consumer base in regions such as Middle East and North Africa (and South-East Asia.
In MENA, more consumers are coming to appreciate the eating quality benefits of premium red meat, increasing demand for packaged meat products at modern retail for home consumption. On 6 November 2024, the Australian Government and the United Arab Emirates signed the bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), delivering another significant enhancement to Australia’s market access in the region.
South-East Asia has enjoyed all-time high volumes of Australian red meat in 2024. Increasing red meat consumption is being driven by growing interest in dining out at not only Western-style cuisine restaurants but also Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cuisine establishments. Tourists are a significant contributor to red meat consumption, and arrivals are forecast to increase around 30% on 2024 to 154 million by 2028.
Australia’s red meat exports to the United Kingdom have significantly increased in the short time since the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement (A-UK FTA) came into effect from 31 May 2023. The growth has been remarkable, particularly considering the long-term dominance of other suppliers such as Ireland, a long-held preference for domestic product at retail, and low familiarity with grainfed beef.
Trade agreement discussions between Australia and the EU will continue, with Australia determined to ensure any agreement reached will be a significant advance in access for Australian red meat.
Source: Meat & Livestock Australia. View all 14 global market snapshots at mla.com.au/prices-markets/overseas-markets
The Importance of Self-Care in a Busy World
In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Between work, family obligations, and social commitments, it can feel like there’s never enough time in the day to take care of ourselves. However, neglecting our own well-being can have negative consequences on our mental, emotional, and physical health.
This is where self-care comes in. Self-care is the practice of taking deliberate actions to improve our own well-being and overall quality of life. It involves making time for activities that nourish our minds, bodies, and souls, and prioritizing our own needs and desires.
One of the key benefits of self-care is that it can help reduce stress and prevent burnout. When we take the time to relax and unwind, we give our bodies and minds a chance to recharge and replenish. This can help us feel more energized and focused, allowing us to tackle our daily tasks with greater ease and efficiency.
Self-care also plays a crucial role in maintaining good mental health. By engaging in activities that bring us joy and fulfillment, we can boost our mood and promote a sense of well-being. Whether it’s spending time with loved ones, practicing mindfulness, or indulging in a hobby we love, self-care can help us feel happier and more content in our lives.
Additionally, self-care can have a positive impact on our physical health. By prioritizing activities like exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep, we can improve our overall health and well-being. Taking care of our bodies not only helps us feel better physically, but it can also boost our self-esteem and confidence.
In a world that often glorifies busyness and productivity, it’s easy to overlook the importance of self-care. However, taking the time to prioritize our own well-being is essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced life. By making self-care a priority, we can improve our mental, emotional, and physical health, leading to a happier and more fulfilling life. So, next time you feel overwhelmed and stressed, remember to take a step back and make time for yourself – your mind, body, and soul will thank you.
