Cattle market stalls as Asian tariffs keep buyers at bay
Australian cattle exporters brace for weak demand. Tariffs on South Korea and China are hurting the market.
Australian cattle exporters are bracing for a slower market over the next month. Tariffs on South Korea and China quotas keep buyer demand low.
Demand from Taiwan and Canada has helped prices since mid-year lows. But it is not enough to offset the hit from Asian safeguard duties and tariff-free US imports.
Analysts warn that dry conditions across northern NSW and Queensland could trigger a cattle sell-off. Producers may reduce herd numbers.
Southern supply chains are also preparing for a surge. Stock bought earlier this year is reaching kill weight.
Despite tariff pressure, Australia remains competitive. Local cattle prices sit about 40 per cent below US levels.
This keeps buyers interested. Japan and South Korea continue to buy, though at lower volumes.
The US market remains strong.
- 40 per cent below
- Price disadvantage vs US
- Japan, US
- Strong markets
- South Korea, China
- Weak markets
- Northern NSW, Queensland
- Risk regions
Why it mattersCattle producers need to understand the export tariff outlook. They should decide whether to hold or sell stock in coming weeks. Weather and pricing pressures are colliding at the same time.
AustraliaAustralian farmers in northern NSW and Queensland face uncertain market conditions as tariffs squeeze export demand and dry weather risks forced herd sales.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 9 d ago
