Australian beef exports continue to defy expectations, setting a new record for the month of June and also the first six months of the year.

Beef exports in June were recorded at a massive figure of 134,593t, while total volumes exported in the first six months of the year reached 702,220t.

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) global supply analyst Tim Jackson said: “Australian beef is in greater demand due to lower supply from competing beef export nations and significant international regard for the quality of Australian product.”

The US remains the largest international market followed by China, Japan and Korea.

“The proportion of exports going to other markets has also increased from 18% in June 2024 to 20% in June 2025, even as overall exports lifted substantially. This shows market diversity in addition to a surge in demand.”

Grain-fed exports

While Australia has always prided its beef sector on grass-fed beef, there has been a significant shift in recent years to what the country describes as 'grain-fed exports', which increased by 29% compared with June 2024 to reach 39,887t.

Jackson states that the 10 largest months for grain-fed exports occurred over the last year, demonstrating growing demand and a strengthening market.

“With weekly slaughter numbers remaining robust and carcase weights above long-term averages, exports will likely remain strong in [the] coming months. Australia’s strong international reputation and high production positions the sector well, especially at a time of relatively lower global production”, Jackson concluded.