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.
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) shares his perspective on the U.S.-China trade developments and their potential impact on American producers, farmers, and ranchers.
October 30, 2025 12:56 PM
·
Rich Nelson, a commodity broker for Allendale Inc., joins us to break down what the U.S.-China trade agreement means for the ag economy.
October 30, 2025 12:04 PM
·
With core input inflation still hovering high, growers and retailers should plan pricing and promotions with tighter margins in mind — target early sales, leverage bundle deals, and secure logistics ahead of peak Halloween demand.
October 30, 2025 10:54 AM
·
The U.S.-China summit raises hopes for stronger exports and reduced barriers, but U.S. ag players should remain strategically cautious until concrete volumes and certifications materialize.
October 30, 2025 10:37 AM
·
Global agriculture is stabilizing after years of price swings, with flat to modestly rising returns expected as productivity offsets slower demand growth.
October 29, 2025 03:35 PM
·
Tara Vander Dussen, fifth-generation dairy farmer, environmental scientist, and co-host of Discover Ag, joined RFD-TV to talk about her work in agriculture and her passion for sharing the story of dairy.
October 29, 2025 03:33 PM
·
Prepare for softer milk checks into winter, watch cull-cow values and timing, and stress-test cash flow as product prices recalibrate.
October 29, 2025 03:11 PM
·
Expect incremental near-term lift for feed grains, proteins, and ethanol as tariff cuts and smoother approvals translate into real orders.
October 29, 2025 03:04 PM
·
While there has been an increase in outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) this migration season, the CDC says the public health risk is low.
October 29, 2025 01:21 PM
·
