Beef export update March 2026

Total exports for the reached 149,973 tonnes during the month, a lift of 33 percent compared with March last year and sits 58pc above the five year average, confirming that the industry is operating at a significantly elevated level. This outcome reflects the combination of increased cattle availability domestically and strong global demand, allowing Australia to maintain a high throughput export program as the year progresses.

The United States again stood as the largest destination for Australian beef in March with 42,043 tonnes reported shipped. Export volumes lifted 30pc year on year and were an exceptional 110pc above the five year average for the month. This highlights the extent to which Australia has become a critical supplier into the US market during a period of historically tight domestic cattle supply. The US is not simply absorbing incremental volumes but is structurally reliant on imported beef to fill production shortfalls, and Australia continues to benefit from that imbalance.

China delivered the strongest year on year growth among the major destinations with 32,907 tonnes recorded for March 2026. Export volumes surged 62pc compared with March last year and were 93pc above the five year average. This reflects both strong underlying demand and the timing of shipments within China’s safeguard quota system.

By the end of March, approximately 51pc of the annual safeguard quota had already been utilised, leaving 49pc remaining for the rest of the year. This front loading of trade suggests that importers have been actively securing product early in the calendar year, which has supported strong export flows out of Australia but may influence the pace of shipments later in 2026 as quota constraints begin to tighten

Japan recorded a more moderate increase in March export volumes with 23,861 tonnes shipped. Shipments were 27pc higher than last year but only 19pc above the five year average, indicating steady rather than exceptional growth. Japan continues to function as a stable, high value market for Australian beef, with demand holding firm but not exhibiting the same degree of expansion seen in the US or China. This consistency remains important for underpinning the overall export mix.

South Korea was another standout performer in March with 25,543 tonnes exported. Export volumes rose 56pc year on year and were 60pc above the five year average, reflecting strong demand conditions and favourable trade dynamics early in the year. South Korea has continued to consolidate its position as a top tier destination for Australian beef, with growth that complements the strength seen in other North Asian markets.

Exports to all other destinations combined increased by a more modest 3pc compared with March last year and were 16pc above the five year average. While this segment did not deliver the same level of growth as the major markets, it still contributed positively to the overall export program and highlights the continued breadth of Australia’s global beef trade.

The March 2026 data points to a market operating at full capacity, with strong demand across all major destinations and particularly pronounced growth into the US, China and South Korea. The elevated position relative to the five year average across most markets reinforces the structural strength of the current export cycle. However, the rapid utilisation of China’s safeguard quota introduces an element of uncertainty for the months ahead, as trade flows may become more constrained later in the year.