Home cattle costs have improved markedly yr on yr in 2025, with demand managing to greater than offset traditionally robust provide and cautious, at finest, restocker assist throughout southern Australia. The Jap Younger Cattle Indicator has averaged 762¢/kg for the yr thus far, a rise of twenty-two% on the 2024 common, and at present 30% above the identical week final yr. Long term, the EYCI will end the yr at about 9% above the 5 yr common determine for a similar week, and 28% above the ten yr value, however its calendar yr common will nonetheless sit at about 4% under the 5 yr knowledge.
A lot of the nationwide value factors inform a really related story to above, with the principle divergence between processor and feeder and restockers on the long term costs, relatively than yr on yr. Apparently, regardless of the present demand dynamics, processor cows and heavy steers calendar yr averages had been 12% and eight% under the 5 yr figures respectively, whereas restocker steers and feeder steers got here in 6% and three% above these long term averages.
A brand new file has already been set this yr for Australian beef export volumes in a calendar yr, regardless of one month of knowledge nonetheless to come back in. For the yr to November, 1.398 million tonnes of beef have headed offshore, a 15% yr on yr improve, with all 4 of Australia’s high markets rising their consumption. Once more, unsurprisingly, it has been the biggest market, the US, driving the volumes, with its traditionally low herd and slowing slaughter creating a spot not solely in their very own market, however in these markets to which in addition they historically export beef.
America has imported 17% extra Australian beef yr on yr up to now in 2025, regardless of a ten% reciprocal tariff having been utilized for a majority of the yr, and the yr thus far complete is 47% greater than the 5 yr common for a similar interval. Imports to China had been up 43% yr on yr, and 35% above the long term volumes, whereas complete grainfed beef exports out of Australia jumped 19% as sustained new ranges of cattle on feed and lotfeeding capability develop into the norm within the sector, underpinning provide in variable seasons.
