Australia is a major player in the global beef market, known for its high-quality grass-fed and grain-fed beef. The Australian red meat and livestock industry is a significant contributor to the national economy.
Here’s a breakdown of Australian beef production and its global comparison:
Australian Beef Production:
* Significant Industry: The red meat and livestock industry in Australia had a turnover of A$81.7 billion in 2022–23 and employed approximately 418,921 people.
* Production Volume: In 2023, Australia produced around 2.2 million tonnes (carcase weight) of beef and veal. In the March 2025 quarter alone, beef production increased by 4.9% to 709,140 tonnes. Forecasts suggest a further increase in production for 2025, potentially reaching 2.62 million tonnes due to anticipated destocking.
* Grain-fed Cattle: In the 2024 financial year, 2.8 million grain-fed cattle were marketed, a 4% increase from FY 2023.
* Cattle Numbers: As of June 2022, Australia had 24.4 million head of cattle (including dairy cattle).
Global Comparison – Production, Imports, and Exports:
Production:
* Global Standing: While Australia is a significant beef producer, its production volume is relatively small globally, accounting for less than 5% of the world’s beef and buffalo meat supply.
* Top Producers (2024/2025 estimates):
   * United States: Leading the world with an estimated 12.29 million metric tons annually (around 20% of global production).
   * Brazil: Second largest, with an estimated 11.85 million metric tons (around 19% of global production).
   * China: An estimated 7.79 million metric tons (around 13% of global production).
   * European Union: Collectively, about 6.63 million metric tons (around 11% of global production).
   * India: Approximately 4.57 million metric tons (primarily buffalo meat).
   * Argentina: Approximately 3.18 million metric tons.
   * Australia: Around 2.58 million metric tons (approximately 4% of global production).
Exports:
* Major Exporter: Australia is a dominant force in global beef trade, ranked as the second-largest beef exporter in the world in 2024. In 2023, Australia exported 67% of its total beef and veal production, with a value of A$11.3 billion.
* Export Volume (2024): Australian beef export volumes reached 1.6 million tonnes in 2024, a 20% increase from the previous year. The total value of Australian beef exports in 2024 was £7.9 billion (approximately A$15 billion).
* Key Export Markets for Australian Beef:
   * United States: Has been Australia’s largest market for exported beef for most of the last 25 years, accounting for 30.7% of Australia’s beef exports in 2024 (up from 17% in 2022).
   * Japan: A consistent major trade partner.
   * China: While China has historically been a significant market, Australian beef exports to China have seen volatility due to changing import protocols. However, China remains an attractive market for premium Australian beef products.
   * South Korea: Another key market.
   * Indonesia: Important for Australian beef exports.
* Global Export Landscape (2025 estimates):
   * Brazil: Projected to be the largest exporter (3.6 million MT CWE).
   * Australia: Second largest exporter (1.9 million MT CWE).
   * India: (1.645 million MT CWE, mainly buffalo meat).
   * United States: (1.179 million MT CWE).
   * Argentina: (860,000 MT CWE).
Imports:
* Australia as an Importer: Australia generally has minimal beef imports, relying on its strong local supply. Occasional imports from New Zealand occur, typically during New Zealand’s peak beef production cycles. Very small quantities of high-end Japanese Wagyu beef are air freighted to Australia for top restaurants.
* Major Global Beef Importers (based on value in 2024 for fresh whole beef):
   * United States
   * Italy
   * Germany
   * Netherlands
   * Japan
   * France
   * Chile
   * South Korea
   * United Kingdom
   * Mexico
Key Characteristics of Australian Beef Production:
* Traceability and Integrity: Australia boasts strong paddock-to-plate traceability and product integrity systems, which are key selling points for food safety and sustainability.
* Quality and Reputation: Australian beef is globally recognized for its high quality, whether grass-fed or grain-fed.
* Market Diversification: Following trade challenges with China, Australia has actively diversified its export markets, strengthening relationships with other major importers.
In summary, Australia is a relatively smaller global producer of beef but a massive exporter, leveraging its reputation for quality and robust supply chains to compete effectively in international markets.

Beef 🍖 is big

Free and fair trade is the normal default desirable position tariffs are often punitive and arbitrary.

Statistics Canada beef production