Australian red meat industry remains resilient as exports reach record high

Australia’s red meat and livestock industry strengthened its contribution to the national economy in 2025, with industry turnover approaching $100 billion and exports reaching a new record, according to Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) latest State of the Industry Report.

The results come against a challenging operating environment for many producers, with variable seasonal conditions and elevated input costs continuing to place pressure on individual farm businesses through 2025 and into 2026.

The State of the Industry Report 2026 provides a comprehensive snapshot of the industry’s performance, including production, trade, domestic consumption, economic contribution and employment.

Industry turnover increased 24.5% year-on-year to $99.9 billion in 2024–25, while industry value-add increased 20.1% to $19.5 billion.

MLA Managing Director Michael Crowley said the results reflected the strength of demand for Australian red meat and the scale of the industry’s contribution to the economy, while recognising the pressures being felt across the supply chain.

“Turnover approaching $100 billion demonstrates the significant contribution Australia’s red meat and livestock industry makes to the national economy and to communities across regional Australia,” Mr Crowley said.

“At the same time, these headline figures need to be viewed in the context of the conditions producers are operating in, with many businesses continuing to manage elevated input costs, seasonal variability and pressure on margins.

“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.”

Through 2026, geopolitical tensions, safeguards, tariffs and supply chain disruption has also contributed to volatility in key agricultural inputs, including fuel and fertiliser, adding further cost pressure for producers and the broader supply chain.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP said the results highlighted the importance of the industry to Australia’s economy and regional communities.

“Our Government will always back our farmers and producers to succeed, from unlocking more trade opportunities, to ensuring we continue to have support available year-round to keep our food production strong,” Minister Collins said.

“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. 

“The Albanese Government will continue working alongside industry to strengthen productivity, open new market opportunities, and ensure Australian agriculture remains globally competitive for generations to come.”

Exports

Australian red meat and livestock exports reached a record $28.3 billion 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 sheepmeat and goatmeat.

Beef export value increased 33.3% to $18.7 billion, 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.

Australia also exported 792,087 live cattle and 334,491 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.”

Domestic consumption

Australian consumers remained among the world’s largest consumers of red meat in 2025.

Beef consumption was approximately 21.9kg per person, compared with a global average of 5.9kg, while sheepmeat consumption was approximately 6.5kg per person, compared with a global average of 1.3kg.

Despite a gradual decline in per capita red meat consumption over the longer term, consumption has remained relatively stable over the past five years.

The report also found 92% of Australian households purchased beef and 72% purchased lamb in the past year.

MLA consumer research showed 24% of Australians reported increasing their red meat intake in 2025, up from 18% in 2024.

Industry turnover 

Australia’s red meat and livestock industry generated $99.9 billion in turnover in 2024–25, a 24.5% increase on the previous year.

The increase reflects stronger livestock prices and processing activity across the industry but comes alongside continued pressure on individual businesses from higher operating and input costs.

Beef cattle farming turnover increased 40.6%, sheep farming turnover rose 17.3%, and feedlot turnover increased 45.4%.

Processing turnover increased 23.4% to approximately $35.8 billion, while the production sector, which contains beef cattle, sheep farming and feedlots, accounted for almost half of total industry turnover at $49.4 billion.

Industry value-add increased 20.1% to $19.5 billion, highlighting the industry’s significant contribution to the broader Australian economy.

The industry also supported approximately 432,800 direct and indirect jobs, with around 85% of meat and livestock industry employees living in rural and regional areas.

Mr Crowley said the results demonstrated both the industry’s economic significance and the importance of maintaining its long-term competitiveness.

“Strong demand for Australian red meat provides a positive foundation, but producers and the broader supply chain continue to operate in a challenging and changing environment,” Mr Crowley said.

“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.

“Continued investment in productivity, integrity systems, innovation, marketing and market access will be essential to helping businesses manage those pressures and ensuring the industry continues to create value for producers, regional communities and the broader Australian economy.”

To view the full State of the Industry Report, visit State of Industry Report 2026