Australia has cemented its position as the world’s leading goatmeat exporter as revealed in Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) new 2025 Global Goat Snapshot.
In 2024, Australian goatmeat production surged 47 per cent year-on-year to 54,017 tonnes carcase weight, the highest volume ever recorded.
Exports climbed 53 per cent to a record 51,489 tonnes shipped weight in 2024, with export value rising 50 per cent to $354 million. This is 40 per cent higher than the previous high set in 2022.
Australia accounts for 55 per cent of global goatmeat exports by volume, far ahead of competitors such as Kenya and Ethiopia, which represent 22 per cent and 13 per cent respectively.
Australia’s growth has been driven by favourable seasonal conditions in key production areas leading to a rapid increase in flock size, and the expansion of processing capacity, with total goat slaughter in Australia rising 41 per cent to 3.4 million head in 2024.
According to MLA’s Managing Director, Michael Crowley, Australia’s goatmeat production has boomed in recent years at the same time that demand has soared from overseas markets.
“Australia has tripled goatmeat production since 2020 and also set a new benchmark for global supply,” Mr Crowley said.
“Our goatmeat is highly regarded for its quality and sustainability credentials which are resonating strongly with buyers and consumers worldwide.
“The increased supply, together with the expansion of goat-specific processing plants, has improved the availability and consistency of Australian goat meat, boosting buyers’ confidence to grow imports of Australian goatmeat.”
Key markets include:
• United States: Australia’s largest market, receiving over 27,500 tonnes in 2024, a 9 per cent year-on-year increase.
• South Korea: Imports rose 44 per cent to a record 8639 tonnes. Australian goatmeat is highly valued for its health benefits, especially during the traditional summer Sambok period.
• China: Despite a dip from 2023 peaks, China remains the third-largest market with over 5100 tonnes imported in 2024.
• The Caribbean: Trinidad & Tobago imported over 2000 tonnes, making it Australia’s fifth-largest market.
In comparison to other proteins, goatmeat is less prevalent in Australian meals, with around 5 per cent of all goatmeat produced remaining in Australia last year. However, there has been a long, steady upward trend in the average number of goatmeat serves over the years.
