Australia Day the perfect time for Aussie lamb as global appetite continues to grow

The Albanese Labor Government is encouraging Australians to buy local lamb this Australia Day, supporting our proud farmers and producers, and backing small businesses across the country.

Whether it is a lamb chop or sausage, a slow-cooked shoulder, a kebab, or a classic roast, this long weekend is the perfect time to enjoy Australia’s world-class lamb, and to deliver strong returns to our farmers and producers.

The Government will always back our farmers and producers to succeed at home and abroad, with our domestic market remaining the largest market for lamb, and new figures showing the value of Australian lamb exports is sizzling.

International markets continue their hunger for Australia’s agricultural produce, and between January and November last year lamb exports were worth $3.9 billion, a 17 per cent increase on the same period in 2024.

The US was Australia’s number one export destination for lamb, worth $1.3 billion from January to November, up 16 per cent, with nearly 75,400 tonnes shipped in this period.

China was our second largest market, with lamb up 50 per cent by value to $457 million, and volumes increasing by 12 per cent to nearly 77,000 tonnes.

The next largest markets for lamb were United Arab Emirates (up 15 per cent in value to $283 million), South Korea (up 34 per cent in value to $237 million) and Canada (up 45 per cent in value to $191 million).

The Albanese Labor Government has worked tirelessly to expand opportunities for our farmers and producers to export our world-class products on the international stage.

Market access for our farmers and producers is the most diversified it has ever been, providing our farmers with the best platform for continued growth.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:

“Australia Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate and enjoy Australia's world-class lamb, from a lamb chop on the barbeque through to a classic lamb roast.

“With some of the world’s best quality lamb readily available at local butchers, supermarkets and hospitality venues, this long weekend is an important opportunity to stimulate local economies, and to deliver strong returns to our farmers and producers.

“This weekend is the perfect time for Australians to support our farmers and producers at home, which will build on the work from the Albanese Labor Government to support Australian producers, farmers and exporters to expand their overseas markets.

“Australian lamb is desired for its quality, its sustainability and its flavour.

“That’s why so many countries are stocking our product, and why demand for it continues to grow – at home and abroad.”

Quotes attributable to Michael Crowley, Managing Director, Meat & Livestock Australia:

“Meat & Livestock Australia is encouraging Australians to make lamb the centrepiece of their meals this long weekend and throughout summer. By choosing lamb, Australians are not only enjoying a versatile, flavourful and nutritious protein, they’re also backing Australian producers and regional communities who work hard to deliver world class product every day.

“This year’s Summer Lamb campaign taps into the World Happiness Index to remind us that a simple meal shared with others can make a real difference to how connected and happy we feel. Lamb has always played a special role in bringing Australians together, and we hope this long weekend inspires people to fire up the barbecue and invite others around to share a moment of summer happiness powered by Australian lamb.”