Overview
Meat is one of Australia’s core food export products and underpins a significant proportion of Australia's food export statistics. In 2004-05 meat exports accounted for nearly 30 per cent of the total value of food exports equating to about A$7 billion.This represents an increase of 21 per cent upon the previous year.
Exporting is vital to the meat industry representing 60 per cent of the industry’s trade with exports consisting mainly of beef, mutton and lamb, goat meat and pork. In fact, Australia is the world's second largest exporter of beef (Brazil recently took the title), exporting to more than 100 countries across the globe.
Other meats include chicken and game or exotic meats such as kangaroo, wild boar and crocodile.
Australia’s beef and sheep meat products are primarily exported as chilled and frozen primal cuts with fresh pork carcasses predominately airfreighted to Singapore.
(Source: Australian Food Statistics 2005, DAFF)
What are the key opportunities?
The meat export markets are mature and well established with limited new opportunities arising. However, price, quality, volume, traceability and the type of product such as grain fed or pasture raised, are all elements that influence the ultimate interest of customers.
Where are the key opportunities?
Our biggest markets for meat exports are traditionally Japan, USA, Korea, China and the Middle East with the US and Japan being Australia’s largest market destinations on total volumes and dollar value. Emerging markets such as China and Russia are becoming increasingly important as they display a broader interest in the range of meat products available.
Key market destinations include:
It is important to note that meat processing facilities need to acquire appropriate and relevant registration and accreditation in order to export to key markets such as the USA, EU, China and Malaysia. Ritual slaughter such as halal and kosher also require respective licencing. AQIS and State Government authorities can advise on the requirements of different markets.
Please see the list of industry country profiles for the meat and livestock industry at the end of this overview.
How can we help you?
With a network of over 140 overseas locations in more than 60 countries backed by highly experienced and qualified staff, Austrade provides a number of dedicated and tailored services to Australian exporters.
Austrade offers practical advice, market intelligence and ongoing support (including financial) to Australian businesses looking to develop international markets. Austrade also provides advice and guidance on overseas investment and joint venture opportunities, and helps put Australian businesses in contact with potential overseas investors.
For further information please contact Austrade on 13 28 78 or email info@austrade.gov.au.
Useful contacts
Government contacts
Australian Quarantine Inspection Service - www.aqis.gov.au
General industry contacts
Meat and Livestock Australia - www.mla.com.au
Australian Meat Industry Council - www.amic.org.au
Aus-meat - www.ausmeat.com.au
Last updated: 12 Jul 2007
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