AUSTRALIA’S goat meat exports have hit their highest annual levels – with three months of the year yet to run.

Meat & Livestock Australia global supply analyst Tim Jackson said so far this year, Australia has exported 36,232 tonnes of goat meat.

“This is notable as 2024 has been the biggest year for goat meat exports on record, with three months of the year remaining.

“For reference, in 2014 (the previous record year), exports over the 12-month calendar year totalled 35,780 tonnes,” he said.

Mr Jackson said exports of goat meat rose 43 percent year-on-year in September to 4765 tonnes.

“This is the highest monthly figure on record and continues the strong run of goat exports in 2024.”

He said the United States remained the largest market for Australian goatmeat in 2024, with exports rising 120pc year-on-year to 2493 tonnes.”

Monthly lamb exports ease as mutton shipments increased

Mr Jackson said lamb exports eased by 13pc year-on-year to 27,363 tonnes in September, while mutton exports rose 33pc year-on-year to 21,821 tonnes.

“Both figures are in line with trends seen in the weekly slaughter numbers; lamb kill numbers are down an average of 11pc over the month and sheep slaughter is up an average of 27pc.”

Mr Jackson said the United States was the largest market for lamb, while China remained the largest market for mutton.

“The largest increase across both lamb and mutton exports was to the Middle east and North Africa (MENA) region, following a common trend for 2024.

“Lamb exports to MENA rose 9pc year-on-year to 7298 tonnes, while mutton exports rose 43pc to 4343 tonnes.”

Year-to-date lamb and mutton exports are currently the highest on record by a large margin, Mr Jackson said.

“Despite the seasonal easing in lamb slaughter, 2024 lamb and mutton slaughter volumes are both currently on track to be the highest on record.”