Australia and Oceania: Beef Market 2025

Beef Market Size in Australia and Oceania

After three years of growth, the beef market in Australia and Oceania decreased by -9.2% to $X in 2021. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X, and then dropped in the following year.

Beef Production in Australia and Oceania

In value terms, beef production declined slightly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +3.2% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when the production volume increased by 18% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2020, and then declined slightly in the following year.

The country with the largest volume of beef production was Australia (X tons), accounting for 72% of total volume. Moreover, beef production in Australia exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, New Zealand (X tons), threefold.

In Australia, beef production contracted by an average annual rate of -1.2% over the period from 2012-2021.

In 2021, the average yield of beef (cattle meat) in Australia and Oceania stood at X kg per head, with an increase of 1.6% compared with the previous year's figure. In general, the yield showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the yield increased by 4.2% against the previous year. The level of yield peaked in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

In 2021, the number of animals slaughtered for beef production in Australia and Oceania reduced to X heads, waning by -13.9% compared with the previous year. In general, the number of producing animals saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when the number of producing animals increased by 10%. The level of producing animals peaked at X heads in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, producing animals stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Beef Exports

Exports in Australia and Oceania

In 2021, shipments abroad of beef (cattle meat) decreased by -6.3% to X tons, falling for the second year in a row after three years of growth. In general, exports, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when exports increased by 15% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, beef exports expanded markedly to $X in 2021. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +4.4% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when exports increased by 25% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Australia represented the main exporter of beef (cattle meat) in Australia and Oceania, with the volume of exports recording X tons, which was approx. 66% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by New Zealand (X tons), committing a 34% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the leading exporting countries, was attained by New Zealand (with a CAGR of +3.6%).

In value terms, Australia ($X) remains the largest beef supplier in Australia and Oceania, comprising 70% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by New Zealand ($X), with a 30% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Australia amounted to +3.7%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Australia and Oceania amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 15% against the previous year. Over the last nine-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.7%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Australia ($X per ton), while New Zealand totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Australia (+4.4%).

Beef Imports

Imports in Australia and Oceania

In 2021, the amount of beef (cattle meat) imported in Australia and Oceania contracted notably to X tons, reducing by -25.4% on the previous year. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a pronounced descent. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when imports increased by 15% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, beef imports contracted rapidly to $X in 2021. Overall, imports recorded a mild contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 14% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

The countries with the highest levels of beef imports in 2021 were Australia (X tons), New Zealand (X tons) and Papua New Guinea (X tons), together finishing at 70% of total import. It was distantly followed by New Caledonia (X tons), comprising an 8.8% share of total imports. Samoa (X tons), Tonga (X tons), Solomon Islands (X tons), Palau (X tons), Fiji (X tons) and Marshall Islands (X tons) took a minor share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Marshall Islands (with a CAGR of +24.6%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Australia ($X), New Zealand ($X) and Papua New Guinea ($X) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, with a combined 69% share of total imports. New Caledonia, Samoa, Tonga, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Palau and Fiji lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 25%.

In terms of the main importing countries, Marshall Islands, with a CAGR of +27.0%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Australia and Oceania stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 8.1% against the previous year. Over the last nine years, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.8%. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was New Caledonia ($X per ton), while Tonga ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Samoa (+4.0%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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