Australia's goat meat production and exports peak

Goat production in Australia has rebounded after several years of adverse environmental conditions affecting supply. 

Sustained favorable conditions since 2020 have resulted in an increase in herd size, resulting in increased productivity. In 2021, the downward trend in slaughter that had been observed since 2015 stopped.

The increase in production reflects an increase in the number of animals, as well as heavier animals, which leads to an increase in carcass weight.

Australia is a minor goat MEAT producer globally but stands out as the world's largest exporter (Source: FAO). Despite the disruption to marketing and sales channels caused by the pandemic, demand for Australian goat meat in international markets remains strong, leading to record high annual unit EXPORT prices.

The ranking of Australia's top five export markets has changed over the past year. The US remains the most important market for Australian goat meat. SOUTH KOREA overtook Taiwan for the first time to become the second largest destination in Australia. CANADA, Trinidad and Tobago round out the top five.

Although Australia is a net exporter of goat meat, MLA calculations show that the domestic market is one of the top five consumer markets for Australian goat meat. Although there is still relatively low awareness of the benefits of goat meat in general, and limited availability in retail and foodservice limits the size of the market, certain consumer segments are driving consumption.

However, the MLA has identified several factors that can be used to boost consumption as production is projected to rise.

North America Market

North America has long been the largest market for Australian goat meat. The US is by far the largest trading partner and Canada is one of the fastest growing markets. Goat meat is a niche protein that many consumers have little awareness of, but large communities of diverse ethnic backgrounds are driving demand.

Australia is the largest supplier of goat meat to the US. However, as sales in Australia fell, rivals Mexico and New Zealand took the opportunity to increase supplies to the market. 

South Korea Market

Korea's record high imports of goat meat in 2021 recently made it Australia's second-largest export destination. An increase in the number of foreign workers who eat goat meat and an increase in the production of medicines using goat extracts have been key factors behind the growth in demand for imports in Korea in recent years.

Taiwan market

Taiwan has long been the main market for Australian goat meat. In recent years, high prices and a lack of supply in Australia have reduced exports to Taiwan. Goat meat is commonly consumed during the winter due to its supposed ability to build strength and keep the body warm.

caribbean market

Trinidad and Tobago has been one of Australia's top five export markets for several years. In the Caribbean, goat meat is used in several popular dishes. In recent years, a combination of tight supply from Australia and strong demand elsewhere has led to a decline in Australian goat meat imports to Trinidad and Tobago.

Livestock export

In 2021, Malaysia increased demand for live Australian goats and regained its position as the largest buyer of Australian animals.