Australian Beef Exports to the US Surge to 43,000 Tonnes

(The Epoch Times)—Australian beef exports in the United States have surged to the highest level since October 2024, increasing to 43,000 metric tonnes in July, according to the Bendigo Bank August cattle market update.

This is despite President Donald Trump introducing a 10 percent tariff, which has been effective since April.

Agricultural analyst Tom Herbert revealed Trump’s tariff moves had not adversely impacted the export or prices of Australian beef.

In fact, the price for 90 percent chemical lean (CL), which is beef that is 90 percent lean meat and 10 percent fat, has hit a record high.

“As of the 1st of August, the U.S. 90CL price has now broken its previous record, sitting at 1,119.9 c/kg, having lifted significantly over the previous four months,” Herbert said (pdf).

“U.S. export volume has continued to increase this year with year-to-date exports sitting 27 percent higher than 2024. This shows just how in demand Australian beef is for U.S. buyers.”

The report noted that U.S. Agriculture Department expects U.S. beef production to drop in 2025 and 2026, while demand is unlikely to fall.

“And with a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian beef, overseas demand for U.S. beef is likely to stay strong for the foreseeable future,” the report noted.

Brazilian beef imports to the United States plummeted from 47,800 tonnes in April to 9,700 tonnes in July as the market prepared for the tariffs. Canada is also struggling with a shrinking herd due to drought conditions.

He also noted that the United States had reinstated their ban on Mexican cattle.

Given these conditions, Herbert said demand for Australian beef would most likely “skyrocket.”

With three of their top five import markets impacted by tariffs, he said this presented “even greater opportunities for Aussie producers.”

What About the Global Stats

Australian beef exports globally hit a record monthly export high of just under 150,500 tonnes in July. This broke the previous record in June 2025.

Bendigo Bank Agribusiness highlighted this showed the “significant level of global demand” for Australian beef products.

Every single major export market out of Australia increased in July.

Japan imported 23,000 tonnes of Australian beef. China’s imports of Australian beef hit 31,000 tonnes in July, 90 percent higher than the corresponding month last year. South Korea also imported just below 21,000 tonnes of Australian beef.

The report described Australian beef as a “hot commodity” with a huge level of international demand that should continue for the rest of 2025.

Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) revealed recently that Australian beef exports had broken monthly all-time records for the fourth time in a 12-month period.

“These volumes represent a significant industry achievement and demonstrate our strong overseas reputation,” MLA Global Supply Analyst Tim Jackson said.

“Australia is well positioned to take advantage of a tightening global market, as our efficient production systems and strong reputation create opportunities to build market share.”

Jackson shared stats showing exports declining from multiple countries, including Argentina, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada.

The stats showed Argentinian exports down 17 percent, New Zealand exports falling 2 percent, U.S. exports declining 6 percent, and Canadian exports sliding 9 percent in the first five months of 2025.

“Brazil is the one exception in export reductions. The Brazilian cattle cycle is currently peaking or has recently peaked and production is likely to fall over the year’s remaining months or early into 2026,” Jackson said.

In a separate release, MLA Managing Director Michael Crowley reflected on the strong demand for Australian beef.

“Despite facing the 10 percent imposed tariff by the United States, Australian red meat continues to command strong demand, enhanced by our international reputation for product quality, safety, and supply chain integrity,” Crowley said.