The uncooked numbers for July beef exports are spectacular. Complete beef exports of 150,435 tonnes, a rise of 12% on the June report, and 16% on final July. Earlier than 2025, the following closest month for beef exports was 130,048 tonnes in October final yr, earlier than that it was 122,456 in October 2014.
Already in 2025, we’ve had 5 of the six largest export months on report. Determine 1 exhibits the fast enhance in beef exports over the previous 18 months.
The ten% tariff on beef being exported to the US is having little or no impression on volumes. July noticed the best beef exports to the US for the yr, 12% larger than in July 2024. No data for the US, nevertheless it was the second-highest month on report.
The large mover in current months has been China. Determine 3 exhibits the hypothesis round points with the US/China relationship, and elevated demand for our beef has materialised. Beef exports to China had been 90% larger than in 2024, however once more not fairly a report. That was set in late 2019 at ranges 10% larger than in July.
Beef exports to Japan had been near common, whereas South Korea is working about 30% larger than common. Weaker US beef provides are beginning to chunk, and seeing demand shift to Australia.
Cattle slaughter has been stronger this yr, serving to to drive elevated exports. Slaughter is analogous, nonetheless, to 2019, but exports have been a rare 32% larger. The rise and rise of lotfeeding, heavier weights, and declining home consumption are all contributing to an export increase.
A booming provide is meant to depress costs, however beef operates in a world market. Weaker US manufacturing and commerce points with some main companions appear to have seen the playing cards fall in favour of Aussie beef. The most recent export values for 90CL to the US are at a brand new report, 10% larger than final yr.