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MARKET SNAPSHOT

  • Clara Leung
  • 10 hours ago
  • 3 min read

Friday, 10 July 2026


Latest meat market conditions


There is a common message reverberating through foodservice sectors all over the globe – “stay ahead of your needs”. 


BEEF


The appetiser – what the market means for foodservice

Internationally, beef markets appear to be in the calm before the storm – Australia has met the China quota, and South Korea’s quota limits are approaching; Brazil is about to meet their China quota, and beef export prices are dropping. This means in the coming weeks and months there may be some purchasing opportunities in the domestic market. Keep an eye on the AMI Specials email coming into your inbox or any specials from your Andrews Meat sales rep that might arise.


The mains

Australia officially filled the China quota on 18 June and recent export data shows Australian exporters pivot to other Asian countries, such as Japan and Korea, to utilise the export supply. At the same time, Australia has effectively reached South Korea’s safeguard threshold with experts predicting that the quota will be fulfilled by all the beef currently in transit.

 

 

Brazil’s China quota is something to watch over the next month, as experts predict Brazil will reach its 1.1m mt quota threshold in late July – early August. Brazil reaching its quota threshold will also require a re-distribution of Brazilian exports to other markets. Similar to Australia, the US is Brazil’s second largest export markets and this re-distribution would increase competitive pressure on Australian exports in that market.


 

On the domestic end with our producers, cattle prices still remain firm, supported by the recent rain which has prompted some producers to hold onto their cattle and the ongoing tight supply in southern Australia. According to Elders, some processors are talking about reducing shifts as higher cattle prices and toughening export market conditions squeeze margins.

 


LAMB

 

The appetiser – what the market means for foodservice

Domestic lamb prices remain stable, with no changes anticipated in the short-medium term. Lamb availability is still tight, please let your rep know if you anticipate any large orders coming through in the next 4-6 weeks.

 

The mains

Lamb prices at the farmgate continue to move higher in line with seasonal shifts as fewer lambs make their way through the saleyards. Trade and restocker lambs are above $12/kg, these rises are occurring despite softer export conditions – a signal that prices correlate with livestock availability.


 

Additionally, seasonal maintenance for lamb processing plants is in full swing with several of them shutting down over the next few months. While this is unlikely to lift prices much further, it is expected to keep supply constrained throughout winter.

 

 

LOOKING AHEAD

H5N1 avian bird flu detected in Australia

H5N1 has been detected in several migratory wild birds in West Australia, South Australia and New South Wales. At this point in time, there are no confirmed cases within the poultry sector and the NSW agriculture minister has confirmed that there have been preparations for this eventuality underway for quite some time, and a clear plan is in place to support the industry.

 


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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