Export demand lifts Australian beef export values

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (Abares) has projected record-breaking exports valued at A$14bn ($9.3bn) for beef, veal and live cattle in the 2024-25 fiscal year ending 30 June, fuelled by increasing global demand.

Reduced global beef supplies are anticipated as major exporters, mainly the US and Brazil, undergo destocking phases because of prolonged droughts. This is coupled with a robust Australian cattle herd size, which is expected to bolster domestic slaughter rates.

Beef and veal export values are forecast by Abares to rise by 4pc from a year earlier to A$12.9bn in 2024-25, driven primarily by rising demand from the US where domestic production is falling. Australian beef exports to the US have increased by 69pc during January-August compared with the same period last year to 96,265t, according to Australia's Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF).

Live cattle export values are also projected by Abares to increase, with an expected rise of 25pc from 2023-24 to A$1.1bn. This growth is attributed to a higher volume of cattle being offered for feeder, slaughter and breeder exports. Australia during January-August exported 512,700 head of cattle to key markets, such as Indonesia and Vietnam, a significant increase from the 413,681 exported during the same period last year, according to DAFF data.

The Australian dollar is expected to average $0.67 against the US dollar in 2024–25, slightly up from $0.66 in 2023–24 but 5pc below the previous five-year average, according to Abares. This slight increase in the exchange rate is likely to enhance the competitiveness of Australian exports in international markets.

Input costs for the beef supply chain are also anticipated to ease. Labour shortages, which have been a significant issue for processors in recent years, are expected to improve with an increase in overseas workers and a weaker economy, Abares said. Global freight prices are also projected to fall heading into 2025, driven by weaker global demand and increased shipping capacity, which should help reduce container freight costs.

By Amy Phillips