Australia manages more than half global sheep meat trade in 2023
Australian sheep meat made up more than half of total global trade for the first time in 2023, according to Meat & Livestock Australia global supply analyst Tim Jackson.
“With Australian lamb and mutton production reaching record highs, exports have lifted substantially, resulting in Australia accounting for over 50 percent of global sheep meat exports in 2023 for the first time.
The large increase in exports has impacted our competitors, particularly New Zealand, the second-largest lamb and mutton exporting country,” he said.
“New Zealand’s exports have been affected by the increase in Australian supply, leading to a decrease in their market share in China.
“Additionally, supply chain constraints have hindered exporters’ ability to expand market share in other key markets.”
Mr Jackson said China, Australia’s largest market for sheep meat by volume, experienced a 24pc increase in total imports in 2023, reaching 429,434 tonnes.
Exports from New Zealand to China rose in 2023, but only by 10pc, he said.
“This meant that Kiwi sheep meat accounted for 50pc of Chinese imports in 2023, which is a considerable figure, but well down on the 57pc market share New Zealand held in 2023.”
”Instead, nearly all of the increase in Chinese imports came from Australia.
Read full article Share on twitter