On the Ground Podcast – US grilling season drives beef demand

Rising beef prices in the United States (US) are reshaping consumer purchasing behaviour ahead of the northern hemisphere grilling season. Stronger retail demand for steak cuts and continued reliance on imported red meat supply are underpinning opportunities for Australian exporters. 

Beef remains a staple for US grilling season 

Speaking on Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) On the Ground Podcast, Paul Da Silva, MLA Regional Manager North America, said that US consumers were increasingly conscious of higher food costs – particularly for beef – which remains central to American diets and culture. 

“There is a very definite awareness of rising prices,” Paul said, noting that ground beef had become a focal point for consumers as living costs increased. 

The discussion follows growing US media attention on retail beef inflation, with ground beef prices reportedly climbing sharply in recent years. Paul said the pressure is influencing purchasing patterns across retail and foodservice channels. 

“There is a lot of trading out of foodservice dining occasions at the higher end,” he said. Consumers were instead redirecting spending towards cooking premium steak cuts at home, contributing to a surprisingly high performance of steak cuts in the retail environment. 

Despite cost of living pressures, beef demand has remained resilient heading into the US grilling season, supported by strong consumer attachment to outdoor cooking, tailgating and at-home entertaining. 

“Demand is still strong,” he said.  

“Beef is a central part of the American way of life.” 

Lamb import safeguard investigation 

Alongside the positive demand outlook, uncertainty remains around the US sheep industry’s push for a safeguard investigation into lamb imports. While no announcement has been made, Paul said MLA and industry participants had prepared for the possibility of formal trade action. 

He emphasised that imported lamb remained critical to meeting US consumer demand and said any measures restricting supply would affect retailers and foodservice operators reliant on imported product. 

“Anything that suppresses supply in that environment is going to be damaging to the category,” he said. 

Potential in Canada 

Canada has also emerged as a significant growth opportunity for Australian exporters. Paul said changing trade dynamics between Canada and the US had accelerated interest from Canadian buyers seeking alternative sources of red meat supply. 

“In that environment, Australia is ideally positioned,” he said, referring to Australia’s ability to provide reliable volumes, a broad product range and tariff-free access under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. 

Paul said Australian beef exports to Canada were already showing strong momentum, with year-to-date imports up significantly for beef.  

“MLA is increasing investment in Canada through new staffing, buyer education and consumer awareness programs to support longer-term growth,” Paul said.  

Paul highlighted that the  North America outlook remains positive, with strong demand fundamentals and growing exporter confidence continuing to drive investment across the region. 

This article was developed based on a recent episode of MLA’s On The Ground podcast.