No kidding: Australia's goatmeat exports at all-time high

Australia has cemented its position as the world’s leading goatmeat exporter, according to Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) latest 2025 Global Goat Snapshot.

In 2024, Australian goatmeat production surged 47% year-on-year to 54,017 tonnes carcase weight, the highest volume ever recorded.

Exports climbed 53% to a record 51,489 tonnes shipped weight in 2024, with export value rising 50% to $354 million. This is 40% higher than the previous high set in 2022. Australia accounts for 55% of global goatmeat exports by volume, far ahead of competitors such as Kenya and Ethiopia, which represent 22% and 13% respectively of the global export market.

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% 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,” 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 90% year-on-year increase. Demand continues to grow in ethnically diverse cities, particularly in the east and west coasts of the US.
• South Korea: Imports rose 44% 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. Trading dynamics are expected to support future growth.
• 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% 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.

Increasing awareness of goatmeat is a goal of MLA’s domestic consumer campaigns, including the Melbourne Goat Trail. Now in its second iteration after the successful Sydney Goat Trail, the campaign highlights goatmeat’s versatility and flavour across various cuisines, supported by celebrity chef Sarah Tiong.

The full report is available here.

Image credit: iStock.com/from_my_point_of_view