W.RDE.0009 - Impact of the Northern Cattle Export Industry on the Australian Economy

Summary

The importance of the livestock export industry to regional communities is amplified in northern Australia, where cattle production has been transformed to meet the requirements of South East Asian markets.

This project undertook a detailed economic analysis to demonstrate the value and benefits this trade brings to the Australian economy and to both producers and exporters.

The purpose of this project was to articulate ways the trade impacts not just those directly involved, but communities in northern Australia generally. It also examined areas such as employment, land values and infrastructure as well as cattle prices and revenue.

Objectives

The objectives of the project were to:

• Identify the economic value generated by the northern live cattle trade to the national economy, including the revenue retained by northern cattle producers.
• Quantify (at a regional level) the flow of live export cattle from northern regions to port and end-market destinations.
• Identify the significance of live cattle exports for Australian livestock sectors including to cattle producers and support services.
• Identify the impact of the live cattle export industry on employment in Australia through direct employment on farm.
• Understand the competitiveness of Australia’s live cattle export sector and identify strategies that will assist to maintain or improve its standing.

Key findings

In 2020-21, the live cattle export trade (directly and indirectly) contributed up to $1.4 billion to the Australian economy.

Benefits to industry

The project highlights the positive contribution of the live cattle export industry to Australia’s economic prosperity, particularly in northern Australia.

It has also improved understanding of the competitiveness of Australia’s live export sector and can help to identify strategies that will assist to maintain or improve its standing.