Mutton export update May 2025
May 2025 - Mutton Export Update
May 2025 saw a reasonably firm recovery in total mutton export volumes leaving Australia to satisfy offshore mouths. There was 19,808 tonnes reported exported overseas which is a 12% increase on the April seasonal lull. Compared to the five-year average trend for May current flows are sitting very comfortably at 43% above the May seasonal average pattern but not quite as robust as this time last year.
In terms of the top trade destinations for Australian mutton exports, the following was noted.
China – Demand in China remains a little lacklustre, but it is not uncommon to see volumes ease during the autumn/winter months for Aussie mutton exports. There was 5,073 tonnes reported shipped to China, which is a 16% drop on the April trade levels. Compared to the May average, based upon the last five-years trading the current flows for May 2025 are just 4% stronger.
Malaysia – Mutton exports to Malaysia managed a solid rebound in May with a 39% increase to the trade volumes, this was coming off the back of a 21% decline in April though. There was 2,635 tonnes reported shipped from Australia to Malaysia during May which represents volumes that are 41% higher than the May seasonal average levels achieved over the last five years.
The others – For all other destinations, excluding China and Malaysia, mutton trade volumes effectively offset the 22% drop seen during April with a 23% increase noted in export flows during May. There was 12,100 tonnes shipped in May 2025 to the “others” pushing the current trade levels to monthly export volumes that are a solid 70% higher than the May average trend, based upon the last five-years of the trade.
