NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — Australia is on pace to set an all-time record for beef exports in 2025, fueled largely by soaring U.S. demand as American cattle numbers hit seven-decade lows. Data from Australia’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries show September shipments totaling 139,000 tons, up 2.5 percent from August and nearly 22 percent higher than a year earlier. Analysts expect total 2025 exports to exceed 1.5 million tons, with U.S. orders driving much of the growth.
Through September, the United States had imported about 329,000 tons of Australian beef — up 21 percent year-over-year — as tight domestic supplies and tariff restrictions on Brazilian imports left buyers searching for additional product. Australian grain-fed beef, which makes up nearly a third of current exports, continues to gain traction in U.S. retail and food-service channels. For perspective, the U.S. typically imports between 1.5 and 1.7 million tons of beef annually from all sources, with Australia accounting for roughly one-quarter of that total.
Market analysts say expanded Australian volumes will help fill supply gaps but are unlikely to meaningfully lower U.S. retail prices, since packers and restaurants still face strong consumer demand and high processing costs. With U.S. herd rebuilding slow and imports rising, the trade dynamic underscores how global beef flows now hinge on weather, tariffs, and shifting supply chains.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Record Australian exports and rising U.S. imports reflect continued tight domestic cattle supplies — a reminder that herd recovery remains key to balancing future beef prices.
Tyson expects another year of beef-segment losses due to tight cattle supplies, even as chicken, pork, and prepared foods strengthen overall margins.
November 11, 2025 01:26 PM
·
Export strength is concentrated in corn and wheat, while soybeans and sorghum lag, keeping basis and logistics dynamics highly commodity-specific into late fall.
November 11, 2025 11:21 AM
·
A smaller U.S. turkey flock and resurgent avian flu have tightened supplies, driving prices higher even as other key holiday foods show mixed trends.
November 10, 2025 03:05 PM
·
Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to share his perspective on what the bill could mean for truckers.
November 10, 2025 11:46 AM
·
The DOJ’s new antitrust probe could reshape beef-packer behavior, with potential impacts on fed-cattle prices, processor margins, and long-term competition across the supply chain.
November 10, 2025 10:35 AM
·
The Senate has cleared a path to reopen USDA, but full restoration of services depends on House approval and the President’s signature.
November 10, 2025 10:13 AM
·
Verified U.S. data show real leather’s carbon footprint is lower than advertised — an edge for the American cattle industry in both marketing and byproduct value.
November 07, 2025 11:32 AM
·
Stagger buys and diversifies fertilizer sources — watch CBAM, India’s tenders, and Brazil’s import pace to time urea, phosphate, and potash purchases.
November 07, 2025 11:16 AM
·
Tight cattle supplies keep prices high for ranchers, but policy shifts, export barriers, and packer losses signal a volatile road ahead for the beef supply chain.
November 07, 2025 11:02 AM
·
