Australia exported 127,173 metric tons (mt) of beef in April 2025, up 18.5% month-on-month, as shipments rebounded sharply from a weather-disrupted March, according to data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
Shipments recovered following logistical interruptions caused by Ex-cyclone Alfred, during Australia’s most active tropical cyclone season in two decades. Port closures and road disruptions across Queensland, the country’s key processing hub, had weighed heavily on March 2025’s exports.
With improved weather conditions in April, exporters moved swiftly to clear backlogs and advance shipments. Added urgency came from the approaching United States (US) beef import safeguard threshold, prompting a front-loading of lean manufacturing beef ahead of the 10% baseline tariff that was imposed since April 2, which further lifted export volumes. Exports to the US rose strongly 15.2% MoM (+4,13 mt) to 37,213 mt.
Exporters also prioritised chilled shipments to key Northeast Asian markets ahead of the extended Golden Week and Labor Day holidays, aiming to reach end-users before the seasonal spike in travel and dining.
The East Trio markets saw volumes lifting in April 2025. Exports to China climbed 6.5% to 21,572 mt (+1,310 mt), while volumes to Japan rose 14.6% to 21,444 mt (+2,727 mt). Shipments to Korea jumped 23.0% to 20,076 mt (+3,752 mt).
Outbound tonnages to Southeast Asia reached 6,829 mt in April, up 6.8% month on month with an increase of 810 mt. The rise was driven by Indonesia, Australia’s fast-emerging market, which took 6,116 mt, rising 20.3% month on month with an increase of 1,842 mt from March.
In April 2025, Australia also exported to other regional markets, including the Middle East (3,031 mt), Canada (3,322 mt), Taiwan (2,523 mt) and the European Union (1,593 mt)
On a yearly basis, total exports rose 20.7% or 21,806 mt, underpinned by a production boom. April 2025 also set a new in-month record, surpassing the previous April 2015 high by 13,350 mt. All major destinations recorded solid annual growth, with the exception of Japan, where volumes softened amid tepid consumption.
For the first four months of 2025, exports totalled 438,147 mt, up 14.9% or 56,789 mt from the same period in 2024.
Co-authored by:
Joe Muldowney
Expana
1-732-240-5330 ext. 244,
[email protected]
Bill Smith
Expana
1-732-240-5330 ext. 265
[email protected]
Written by Junie Lin
