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MARKET SNAPSHOT

  • Clara Leung
  • Aug 7
  • 3 min read

Friday, 7 August 2026


Latest meat market conditions


BEEF

The appetiser – what the market means for foodservice

We are anticipating tighter beef supply in the coming weeks, particularly for premium lines. Processors are reducing activity off the back of changing global conditions and the southern regions of Australia continue to be impacted by dryer conditions.


The mains

The cattle market is no longer defined by supply availability. Though the availability at saleyards have increased in several key states such as QLD and NSW, the higher levels of supply did not translate to higher slaughter rates. In fact, processing activity weakened across several states in July as compared to the month before, the main changes were:

  • QLD dropped significantly from 92% to 54%.

  • NSW decreased from 43% to 24%

  • TAS decreased from 57% to 37%

  • VIC decreased from 54% to 51%

 

Recent safeguards in China and South Korea have added further pressure to export returns, and rather than maximising slaughter, processors appear focused on maintaining margins while securing sufficient cattle to meet existing commitments. With trade disruptions affecting mainland China, exporters are showing renewed interest in alternative Asian markets such as Hong Kong, Thailand and the Philippines.

 

 


LAMB

The appetiser – what the market means for foodservice

 Lamb availability will be the main concern over the next few months, with recent MLA data revealing that prices are likely to remain elevated at saleyards as processors continue to compete for limited available stock.

 

If you anticipate any larger lamb orders over the next 4–6 weeks, please let your Andrews Meat sales representative know so they can help our team plan ahead.

 

The mains

Lamb supply remains extremely tight, and the current market is still operating at historically high prices. According to MLA, this year’s winter has seen a noticeable decline in slaughter compared to previous years – with 1.52 million lambs processed in June, the lowest June lamb slaughter since 2020. Year to date (Jan-June 2026) lamb slaughter sits 14% below the previous year.

 



LOOKING AHEAD

Fuel is a critical input in Australia's agricultural sector and food supply chain, impacting freight, farming and processing. The fuel excise cut came to an end earlier this week and the price increases are expected to reach bowsers next week, bringing further concerns to the industry in the short-mid term.

 

Many analysts expected prolonged supply disruptions after tensions initially escalated, as approximately 12-15 million barrels of oil move through the Strait of Hormuz each day. However, global oil markets have proven more resilient than anticipated and several factors have helped balance supply throughout those months of conflict, including:

  • The release of strategic reserves coordinated by the International Energy Agency

  • Increased oil production from countries outside of the Middle East, taking advantage of higher prices

  • China reducing their oil imports by 6 million barrels a day, as the country draws on strategic reserves

 

Regardless, fuel availability is still a major concern as the conflict recently escalated again, pushing fuel prices higher. Additionally, China cannot rely on reserves indefinitely and should their oil demand return while geopolitical tensions intensify, fuel availability could tighten quickly.

 


Disclaimer: The information contained in this blog is provided for general informational purposes only. While Andrews Meat Industries has exercised reasonable care, skill and diligence in its preparation, many factors — including environmental and seasonal conditions — can impact its accuracy and currency. For tailored advice relating to your business, please contact your Andrews Meat Industries sales representative.

 
 
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