Huge drop in Aussie live goat exports
In 2015, Australia exported 88,000 live goats to several markets, mainly in SE Asia. Nevertheless, since then a rapid decline was observed, mainly driven by waning
demand from Australia’s largest live goat market, Malaysia. Historically, Malaysia has always been the largest export market for Australian live goats, typically taking between
85–90% of total exports up until 2016. However, from 2017, this figure has been in decline, and in 2020 Malaysia accounted for 41% of live goat exports. 2017 marked the beginning of a period of significant growth for Australian domestic goat prices, which have been historically high since July 2017, making live goats far less competitive in Malaysia compared with imported sheep and local product, reports Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).
"Australia’s high goat prices and tight supplies have led Malaysian importers to seek alternative, more affordable sources of live goat and other substitute products for goatmeat.
Australian live sheep prices are more affordable and available than goat. Furthermore, sheepmeat can be used interchangeably with goatmeat in many Malaysian dishes, although consumers prefer goatmeat as it is perceived to be leaner than sheepmeat. Live export of goats from Australia is exclusively by air freight. The disruptions to air travel/freight in early 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak have affected exports, as well as the ongoing lack of supply and resultant increased prices of Australian goats," says the report.
Last year, China emerged as the main market for Aussie live goat exports, taking almost 3,800 head, representing 45% of total Australian exports. Goatmeat is considered nutritious and immunity-boosting by Chinese consumers. The COVID-19 pandemic saw more consumers cooking at home and an increase in demand among affluent consumers for premium and nutritious proteins – including goatmeat.
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