Australian sheepmeat exports slump 27 per cent but China gains ground
August sheepmeat exports fell 27 per cent, but China lifted its share to 22.2 per cent.
Australian sheepmeat exports tumbled 27 per cent in August compared with both last year and the five-year average, continuing a softer pattern through mid-2026. China was the sole exception: shipments there were 20 per cent higher than August last year, despite the overall export pool shrinking by more than a quarter.
China now accounts for 22.2 per cent of Australian sheepmeat exports year-to-date, retaining its position as the largest individual destination. By contrast, US exports slumped 39 per cent below August last year and 34 per cent below the five-year average, falling to just 19.6 per cent of total exports.
Shipments to all other destinations were down 34 per cent year-on-year.
- 27%
- August exports decline
- 20% versus August 2025
- China exports growth
- 22.2%
- China's share year-to-date
- 39% versus August 2025
- US exports decline
Why it mattersSheepmeat export trends affect farm incomes and show how trade patterns shift between major buyers like China and the US.
AustraliaAustralian sheep farmers are selling less lamb and mutton overall, squeezing farm income; increased reliance on China creates vulnerability if that market tightens.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 9 d ago
