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MARKET SNAPSHOT | 17 SEPT 2026

Clara Leung
11 minutes ago
4 min read

Thursday, 17 September 2026


Latest meat market conditions

BEEF

The appetiser – what the market means for foodservice

The divide between northern and southern Australia’s seasonal conditions is creating an uneven domestic supply. Better seasonal conditions down south are encouraging producers to retain cattle, resulting in lower availability of southern brands.

 

The mains

Overall, the Australian cattle market enters spring 2026 with supply remaining high and export demand being redirected across a variety of markets. According to the latest Beef Producers Intentions Survey, many producers are largely maintaining their herd plans (of which 80% of producers said they would increase or maintain their cattle herd size). MLA Senior Market Analyst Emiliano Diaz said the results show producers remain confident in their longer-term plans.

 

Though cattle supply remains high, the north-south divide is widening. Better seasonal and improving soil conditions in parts of Victoria and southern New South Wales are supporting restocking activity, which reduces the number of cattle coming from the southern Australia, while tighter seasonal conditions in Queensland and northern New South Wales are bringing more cattle onto the market.

 

 

Australia’s beef exports have faced many challenges over the past few months, and we saw total exported tonnage for August 2026 reduced by 9% when compared to August 2025. Though slaughter levels have also decreased by 2% year-on-year (YOY), this does not correlate with the 9% decrease in export volumes. According to MLA, exporters may be turning to freezer storage instead of selling at lower prices or releasing excess stock into the domestic market.

 

On top of that, Australian exports will be competing with Brazilian beef across several markets:

  • 21 August 2026: The US president announced a 90-day suspension of tariffs on 300,000 tonnes of imported ground beef, putting Australian beef in direct competition with cheaper Brazilian product. (Read our overview from Nov 2025 on the importance of the trim market here)

  • 3 September 2026: Brazilian beef and other animal products were banned from the EU, meaning that product will be redirected to other markets in the coming months.

 

 

 

 

LAMB

The appetiser – what the market means for foodservice

Lamb availability is expected to increase in the coming months, but prices are still predicted to remain elevated due to processors now competing with producers themselves for lambs for a potential flock rebuild.

 

The mains

Throughout the winter months, all states recorded a decrease in lamb yardings (the amount of lamb available at saleyards), when compared to the same period last year:

  • NSW lamb yardings dropped 29% YOY

  • VIC recorded one the sharpest declines, dropping 37% YOY

  • TAS dropped 45% YOY

  • WA dropped 32% YOY

  • QLD declined 18% YOY


Lower supply supported strong processor demand for lamb. The result led both restockers and processors to compete strongly for available stock in the saleyard throughout winter.


  • Read more at MLA

 

While new season lambs are entering the market and lamb slaughter volumes are increasing, those volumes still sit well under the five-year average. This will maintain upwards pressure on prices, which are expected to remain elevated through the remainder of 2026.

 

 

Widespread, and in some cases drought-breaking, rainfall across much of southern Australia has given producers the confidence to begin rebuilding flocks after years of feed and water scarcity, but could potentially delay peaks in new season lamb supply.

 

 

LOOKING AHEAD

Fuel prices continue to rise

Diesel prices have pushed higher in the recent months, driven by rising global oil costs and overseas shipping disruptions. These global pressures, along with higher transport costs, are keeping local fuel prices elevated across regional and metropolitan areas.

 

 

In Sydney alone, the current average diesel price is at 253.5 cents per litre (as of 15/09/2026), that is an increase of 77.2 cents per litre since 30 June. Diesel prices are expected to continue increasing in line with rising wholesale prices, impacting operations, transport & logistics across the whole supply chain, from the producers through to our distributors and into our own delivery processes.

 

 


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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