Australia reports sharp drop in live goat exports

In 2015, Australia exported 88,000 live goats to several markets, mainly in South East Asia. However, there has been a rapid decline since then, mainly due to reduced demand from Australia's largest goat market, Malaysia.

Historically, Malaysia has always been the largest EXPORT market for Australian live goats, typically purchasing 85–90% of total exports. However, since 2017 this figure has been declining, with Malaysia accounting for 41% of live goat exports in 2020. 2017 marked the start of a period of significant increases in domestic goat prices in Australia, which have been historically high since July 2017, making live goats much less competitive in Malaysia compared to imported sheep and local produce, according to MEAT and Livestock Australia (MLA).

"High goat prices and limited supplies have forced Malaysian importers to look for alternative, more affordable sources of live goats and other goat meat substitutes," analysts said.

“Australian live sheep are more affordable than goats. In addition, sheep meat can be used as a substitute for goat meat in many Malaysian dishes, although goat meat is preferred by consumers as it is considered leaner than sheep meat. Live goats are exported from Australia exclusively Air/cargo disruptions in early 2020 as a result of the covid-19 outbreak impacted exports as well as continued supply shortages and consequently pushed up the price of Australian goats,” the MLA said in a report.

Last year, CHINA became the main market for Australian live goats, purchasing nearly 3,800 heads, accounting for 45% of total Australian exports. Chinese consumers find goat meat to be nutritious and immune-boosting. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increase in the number of consumers cooking at home and increased demand among affluent consumers for high quality and nutritious proteins, including goat meat.