Mutton export update
April 2025 - Mutton Export Update
Australian mutton exports, by volume, eased 21% during April to see 17,748 tonnes shipped offshore. Despite the decline in volumes trade levels have come off fairly high historic volumes in March 2025 so the current mutton export flows still sit nearly 36% above the average April flows, based upon the last five years of the trade.
In terms of top trade destinations, China maintains it’s dominance with nearly 35% of the total export flows so far in 2025. Malaysia continues to cement second place with a share of nearly 12%. A resurgent Saudi Arabia holds onto third place with 11% and Singapore is currently outperforming the US with 3.7% versus 3.4% of the mutton export flows.
In terms of the top trade destinations for Australian mutton exports, the following was noted.
China – Mutton exports to China eased by 20% during April to see 6,053 tonnes shipped. Despite this strong decline in volumes over the month the current trade levels still sit 24% above the five-year average levels for April. Additionally, recent increased export access for sheep meat into China from several Aussie abattoirs could see the picture rebound in the coming months.
Malaysia – Mutton trade to Malaysia posted its lowest volumes so far this year after a very solid start to 2025. There was 1,889 tonnes reported shipped over April, a decline of 21% from the March trade volumes. Despite the weaker trend the current trade volumes are pretty much on par with levels seen exported during April 2024 and still sit a comfortable 41% above the April average trade flows, based upon the last five years of trading.
The others – Mirroring the broad trend set in April for the top two trade destinations, the “others” saw 9,806 tonnes shipped during April. Mutton exported from Australia to countries other than China & Malaysia dropped by 22% during April 2025, around 20% below the April volumes seen exported last year, but still 43% higher than the five-year average flows seen during April.
