Goatmeat export update May 2026

The United States remained Australia’s dominant goat meat destination during May, taking 2,126 tonnes and accounting for almost half of all exports for the month. Shipments to the US were 20pc higher than the same month last year and 41pc above the five-year average.

The strength of the American market continues to underpin Australia’s goat meat trade. Demand remains driven by strong ethnic and cultural consumption patterns, with Australian product maintaining a well-established position within the US market. The fact that volumes continue to expand despite generally higher prices suggests demand remains relatively robust.

The most notable development during May was the improvement in exports to China. Shipments to China reached 403 tonnes, making it the third-largest individual destination behind the United States and South Korea.

While exports were still 7pc below May last year, they sat 50pc above the five-year average, indicating that Chinese demand has strengthened considerably compared to historical norms. China’s growing role in the goat meat trade mirrors developments seen across several other protein categories.

Although still considerably smaller than the US market, China has become an increasingly important outlet for Australian exporters and provides an additional layer of diversification to the sector.

South Korea also delivered a solid result during May, receiving 492 tonnes. Exports were 26pc below the exceptional levels recorded a year earlier but remained only 5pc below the five-year average. The Korean market has experienced considerable volatility over the past several years, often influenced by timing differences in orders and shipment schedules. Despite the year-on-year decline, May’s result suggests demand remains broadly consistent with longer-term historical levels.

Taiwan received 222 tonnes during the month. Exports were 38pc lower than last year but effectively in line with the five-year average, sitting 1pc higher. While Taiwan remains a relatively small destination in absolute terms, it continues to provide steady demand for Australian goat meat.

The “other markets” category accounted for 1,045 tonnes, representing around one-quarter of total exports. Combined shipments into these destinations were 2pc higher than last year and an impressive 122pc above the five-year average. That extraordinary increase relative to historical averages highlights one of the most important features of the goat meat trade in recent years, the growing market diversification. Rather than relying solely on the United States, Australian exporters have successfully developed a wider range of destination markets across Asia, North America and other regions. This broader market base has helped improve resilience and reduce dependence on any single customer.

Looking at the overall distribution of exports during May, the United States accounted for just under 50pc of shipments, with South Korea, China, Taiwan and a range of smaller destinations making up the balance. While the US remains dominant, the contribution from secondary markets continues to grow. The broader trend in goat meat exports remains encouraging.

Monthly shipments continue to track well above historical averages despite tighter domestic supply conditions and higher livestock prices. Unlike the sheep meat export sector where price and access constraints are beginning to weigh on export performance, goat meat exports have largely maintained momentum through the first five months of 2026. The May figures suggest that global demand remains sufficiently strong to absorb available production, even as exporters navigate changing market conditions across different regions. With exports continuing to perform above long-term norms and key destinations such as the United States and China remaining supportive, the goat meat sector appears well positioned heading into the second half of the year.