Market Updates

BEEF

Australian beef production continues to demonstrate strong growth, with cattle slaughter increasing by 2.8% during the June 2026 quarter, reaching approximately 2.5 million head.

Total beef production increased by 3.4% to 777,232 tonnes, reflecting continued strength in Australia’s beef processing industry.

During the 2025–26 financial year, almost 9.6 million cattle were processed, the highest financial-year total since 1978.

Looking ahead, Meat & Livestock Australia forecasts Australian beef production will exceed 3 million tonnes in 2026, potentially establishing a new national production record.

For Papua New Guinea’s food service and catering industry, Australia’s strong beef production provides an encouraging supply outlook. However, international demand, export market conditions and freight costs will continue to influence pricing and availability.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, June Quarter 2026; Meat & Livestock Australia, September 2026.

LAMB

Australian lamb production is experiencing a significant adjustment following several years of record processing levels.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, lamb slaughter decreased by 6.7% during the June 2026 quarter, falling to approximately 5.2 million head.

Lamb meat production also declined by 7.2% to 133,301 tonnes, reflecting tightening livestock availability across Australia’s sheep industry.

For the 2025–26 financial year, approximately 22.1 million lambs were processed, representing a 15% decline compared with the previous financial year.

Despite reduced slaughter numbers, Australian producers are achieving heavier lamb carcases, with average weights reaching a quarterly record of 26.7 kg in June 2026.

Looking ahead, Meat & Livestock Australia forecasts continued pressure on sheep and lamb availability, with the national sheep flock estimated at approximately 67.1 million head as of June 2026.

Strong international demand, combined with reduced livestock availability, is expected to maintain pressure on Australian lamb prices.

What does this mean for Papua New Guinea?

For PNG’s hotels, restaurants, mining camps and commercial catering operations, reduced Australian lamb production could influence export pricing and product availability.

Chefs and purchasing managers should consider forward purchasing, flexible menu planning and early discussions with suppliers to minimise potential disruptions.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, June Quarter 2026; Meat & Livestock Australia, August 2026.

PORK

Australian pork production remains relatively stable, despite increasing pressure from production costs, domestic demand and international competition.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, pig slaughter decreased slightly by 0.1% during the June 2026 quarter, with approximately 1.43 million pigs processed.

Despite the marginal decline in slaughter numbers, total pork production increased by 0.9% to 118,129 tonnes, reflecting an improvement in average carcass weights.

Looking ahead, the Australian Government forecasts the value of pig slaughtering will decrease by 6% to approximately AUD 2 billion in 2026–27, reflecting ongoing market pressures.

International trade remains an important consideration. Singapore continues to be a significant export destination for Australian pork, although recent trade patterns indicate reduced shipments to this market.

For Papua New Guinea’s food service and catering industry, Australia’s relatively stable pork production provides a generally positive supply outlook. However, international competition, processing costs, freight expenses and changing demand for particular cuts may influence pricing and availability.

Food service operators should continue monitoring pork leg, shoulder, belly and processed pork products to maintain competitive purchasing and menu-costing strategies.

Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics, June Quarter 2026; Australian Pork Limited; ABARES, September 2026.

POULTRY

Australian chicken production continues to expand, with chicken slaughter increasing by 1.1% during the June 2026 quarter, reaching approximately 200.3 million birds.

Total chicken meat production increased by 3.1% to 409,119 tonnes, reflecting continued growth in Australia’s poultry processing industry.

Chicken remains Australia’s most popular meat, with annual consumption averaging approximately 54–55 kg per person. Strong consumer demand is being supported by chicken’s affordability compared with beef and lamb.

Despite increasing production, Australian poultry processors face growing pressure from feed prices, labour costs, transport expenses and biosecurity requirements. Industry forecasts suggest chicken prices may increase during 2026–27.

Demand for popular chicken portions, particularly wings and thighs, remains an important consideration for food service operators. However, current national production figures do not indicate an overall decline in chicken supply.

The Australian Government forecasts the value of poultry slaughtering will increase by 6% to approximately AUD 4.4 billion in 2026–27.

For Papua New Guinea’s food service and catering industry, Australia’s expanding chicken production provides a positive overall supply outlook. However, rising production costs, strong Australian domestic demand and freight expenses may influence pricing and availability of particular chicken cuts.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, June Quarter 2026; Australian Chicken Meat Federation; ABARES, September 2026; ABC Rural, August 2026.