Sheepmeat export markets track well in 2017

LOOKING back at 2017, it appears to have been a record-breaking year for Australian sheepmeat exports.

Australian sheepmeat exports grew strongly in 2017, with growth seen in two key markets – the US and China.

Korea has been a surprise export market for Australian lamb this year, largely due to the growth in demand for lamb barbecue/skewer outlets.

Australian sheepmeat exports are on track to have their largest export year since 2014, with lamb set to record its biggest year of exports.

In 2017, mutton reversed two years of decline and record growth on the back of a significant increase in domestic supplies, especially in the second half of 2017.

The two key markets for growth have been China and the US, with Korea also seeing some large increases.

Sheepmeat exports to the Middle East have tracked in line with 2016 levels with stability across all major market destinations.