Australian cattle exports rose to 65,755 head in April as northern mustering rounds gained momentum following a wet and delayed start to the year.

Most of that volume – 56,675 head – comprised feeder cattle shipped to Indonesia, helping replenish feedlot space emptied during the Ramadan/Lebaran holiday period, which ran from mid-February to mid-March.

April exports to Indonesia also included 1074 breeding cattle.

The balance of April exports included breeding cattle shipped to Turkey (3295 head), Pakistan (2700 head) and Cambodia (187 head via air freight), along with 2898 slaughter cattle exported to Jordan.

The first four months of 2026 have seen 168,990 cattle exported from Australia, marking the slowest start to a year since 2022. The subdued opening has largely been attributed to the prolonged northern wet season and the earlier timing of Ramadan in 2026 – which is dictated by lunar cycles and this year ran from mid-February to mid-March – with many cattle for the religious festival shipped during the closing months of 2025.

Exporters have told Beef Central that May has been busy and June is likely to be as well, amid caution that trading conditions are facing headwinds from the impact of higher fuel costs on shipping and feed costs and currency movements making Australian cattle more expensive for Indonesian lot feeders and wet market butchers.

Indonesia partnership underpins northern profitability

Meanwhile, a report commissioned by the Livestock Export Program (LEP) – a research, development and extension collaboration between LiveCorp and Meat & Livestock Australia – has highlighted the broader economic and strategic importance of Australia’s livestock trade with Indonesia.

The report found Australian livestock exports not only contribute to food supply, but also strengthen communities, support regional development and deepen long-term relationships with key trading partners.

Economic development

In Indonesia, the live cattle trade provides jobs and drives growth, generating an estimated A$929 million in wholesale revenue each year.

About 8,500 people are employed to care for Australian cattle, which in turn supports livelihoods across the supply chain from feedlot workers and abattoir staff to smallholder farmers.

For Australian producers, particularly in the NT where the distance from major domestic markets can limit local selling options, Indonesia provides an essential outlet, offering good prices for Australian cattle and rewarding the quality and consistency of northern herds.

Maintaining this trade supports regional economies, enables herd management flexibility and reinforces the profitability and sustainability of pastoral enterprises.

Capacity building

Training and knowledge exchange are central to Australia’s engagement with Indonesia. Since 2021, more than 14,000 people have received training in animal welfare, biosecurity and supply chain efficiency, largely driven and supported by the in-market LEP representatives. Programs such as the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association Indonesia–Australia Pastoral Program brought Indonesian students to Australian stations for many years, while Australia Awards Short Courses enhance professional development across the region. These initiatives build capability and trust within the supply chain, ensuring Australian cattle are managed to world-leading standards and maintaining market confidence that directly supports ongoing trade.

Food security and nutrition

Exported Australian-bred cattle contribute more than 83,000t of beef (excluding offal) to Indonesia each year, providing a reliable source of protein for nearly 28 million people. This helps fill nutritional gaps in a country where domestic supply cannot meet demand.

Australia breeds and raises the cattle, while Indonesia finishes them for local consumption. This complementary relationship supports Indonesia’s food security and provides Australian producers with a valuable and consistent export destination. Reliable demand for Australian livestock strengthens herd planning and productivity at home while delivering nutritious, fresh meat to Indonesian consumers.

Animal health and welfare

The introduction of the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS), which ensures humane handling and slaughter of exported livestock, has provided many opportunities for discussions regarding animal welfare practices in our destination markets. In Indonesia, more than 90 per cent of abattoirs processing Australian cattle now use stunning.

The LEP-supported Forum Animal Welfare Officers (a collaboration between importers, GAPUSPINDO and exporters), has also played a key role in improving welfare standards through extensive training in animal welfare, traceability and slaughter techniques.

When foot-and-mouth disease and lumpy skin disease outbreaks occurred in 2022, Australian support helped vaccinate more than 400,000 animals in Indonesia. Workshops also provided smallholders with practical training in vaccination and biosecurity.

These efforts protect both Indonesian and Australian herds by slowing the spread of disease while maintaining continuity of trade and market confidence.