136th Edition:  May 2025

Key points:

• Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto’s plan to scrap import quotas sparks debate amid local farmer concerns and possible market shifts
• Eid al-Adha drives broad-based live cattle demand in Indonesia
• Philippine livestock sector sees steady prices while the ASF vaccination programme expands to curb outbreaks

Regional Trends and Overview

Thailand: Anthrax Outbreak Prompts Regional Alarm

Thailand’s Department of Livestock Development confirmed an outbreak of anthrax in Mukdahan Province in late April, prompting immediate containment efforts. At least one confirmed animal case triggered concern among neighboring countries, especially given Thailand’s active role in cross-border livestock trade. Thai authorities have ramped up vaccinations in surrounding areas and are working to trace and isolate affected herds. While the outbreak appears limited, its timing—just as Thai beef had gained export access to Malaysia—raises fresh questions about disease surveillance and the robustness of regional biosecurity frameworks. The coming weeks will be key in determining whether the situation remains contained or prompts broader trade repercussions.

Cambodia and Laos: Borders Closed to Thai Livestock Over Anthrax Fears

In response to the anthrax outbreak in Thailand, both Cambodia and Laos moved swiftly to suspend imports of livestock and meat products from their western neighbour. Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture issued a temporary ban on May 7 as a precautionary step to protect local herds and consumer safety, despite no domestic cases being reported. Laos followed suit shortly after, implementing a similar suspension on May 5. The bans underscore how quickly animal health scares can impact regional trade and highlight the continued importance of cross-border disease coordination in Southeast Asia’s livestock sector.

Malaysia looks further abroad for dairy cattle supply

A surprising competitor has emerged for live dairy cattle in the region—Chile! Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd (F&N) in Malaysia recently imported 2,500 Holstein heifers from South America in what is Malaysia’s first from live cattle shipment from Chile. The animals were shipped from Santiago to Johor’s Pasir Gudang Port before being trucked to F&N’s new dairy operation in Gemas, Negeri Sembilan. It’s an eyebrow-raising logistics choice, considering the proximity and long-standing reliability of Australian supply. But this decision reflects Malaysia’s procurement realities more than any shortfall in Australian cattle: the heifers were originally planned to come from the U.S., but biosecurity restrictions there halted exports. It’s a reminder that genetics, disease status, and import regulations often outweigh simple geography in today’s international livestock trade.

Indonesia: Slaughter Steers $4.73 AUD per kg live weight (IDR 10,776 = $1 AUD)

Prices

Slaughter steer prices in Lampung remain steady heading into May, trading between IDR 51,000 and IDR 52,000 per kilogram live weight. This equates to approximately $4.73 AUD/kg live weight based on current exchange rates. Supportive demand in the lead-up to Eid al-Adha has kept the market firm, but exporters have reported a drop-off in interest from feedlotters suggesting their inventories are high.

Qurban cattle for the upcoming religious holiday are now selling at a wide range of price points, depending on size and buyer preferences. Animals weighing 250–300 kg are priced between IDR 17.5 million and IDR 21 million (AUD 1,624–1,949), while premium cattle weighing up to 1,000 kg are commanding values of IDR 70 million to IDR 100 million (AUD 6,497–9,282).

Photos: Social media advertisements for Qurban livestock show the lucrative pricing on offer for local producers, especially for heavy cattle

Industry and Trade Developments

President Prabowo Subianto directs officials to eliminate import quotas

Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto has announced plans to eliminate import quotas on key commodities, including meat, in favour of a more transparent import licensing system. The move is designed to reduce inefficiencies and corruption, with policymakers aiming to ensure that access to imports is market-driven rather than restricted by bureaucratic controls.

The proposal has been welcomed by lawmakers as a positive step toward breaking monopolistic practices. However, farmer groups have voiced concerns about the potential for cheaper imported meat to flood the market, threatening local production. In response, the Ministry of Agriculture has clarified that while quota systems may be removed, import standards, licensing requirements, and protective measures will remain in place to support domestic producers.

While the policy is yet to be finalised, it appears likely to place downward pressure on meat prices. Public statements from Prabowo and other officials have singled out the practice of allocating import quotas to individual organisations as a key issue which the new approach aims to resolve. In recent years, the involvement of semi-government enterprises in importing Indian buffalo meat (IBM) has severely restricted supply. Removing these quotas could open the floodgates for IBM, posing a serious threat to the competitiveness of Australian live cattle imports and beef, which has recently been enjoying domination of market share. It could of course also remove a volume cap on the amount of Australian beef which can access the market.

Eid preparations underway

Preparations are well underway for Eid al-Adha, which is expected to drive significant demand across all cattle market segments. From more affordable Qurban packages to high-end premium animals, the market is catering to a wide range of buyers ahead of the key religious festival in June.

Australian cattle remain an important part of this seasonal demand. Many consumers continue to favour Australian cattle for Qurban, with animals processed through ESCAS-accredited facilities to meet strict animal welfare and halal standards. Premium cattle, particularly those weighing 800–1,000 kg, draw strong interest from wealthier buyers, obviously out of the weight range of Australian cattle, while group purchases remain popular for more modest offerings such as Australian cattle being turned off in the 450-500kg range.

Vietnam: Slaughter Steers $4.66 AUD per kg live weight (VND 16,080 = $1 AUD)

Cattle and Beef Prices

Vietnam’s cattle market has softened notably in the last two years, reflecting broader regional trends and increased competition from imported stock. Local slaughter steers are currently priced at $4.66 AUD/kg live weight, while imported Thai cattle are trading at $4.48 AUD/kg, Myanmar cattle at $4.72 AUD/kg, and Australian steers at $4.66 AUD/kg.

Wholesale carcass prices at abattoirs remain steady at approximately $10.89 AUD/kg (175,000 VND/kg), while retail beef prices range from $11.79 to $14.29 AUD/kg (190,000 to 230,000 VND/kg), depending on quality and cut.

Industry and Trade Developments

Vietnam’s livestock industry has continued to expand strongly, with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development reporting a 5.4 percent growth in production value in 2024, outpacing the broader agricultural sector. Export turnover of livestock products reached $533.6 million, up 6.5 percent year on year, driven by sales of meat, dairy, and animal feed ingredients. Meanwhile, Vietnam secured new export market access for dairy products into China, as well as processed poultry shipments to Japan, Hong Kong, and several Eurasian countries.

Despite strong growth, local producers face increasing competition from imports. In the first quarter of 2025, Vietnam spent over $1 billion on meat and dairy imports, with meat imports alone reaching $437 million, up 18 percent compared to the previous year. Imported pork was noted to be 35 to 40 percent cheaper than domestic product, highlighting the ongoing price pressure on local producers.

Philippines: Slaughter Steers $3.43 AUD per kg Live weight (P36.95 = $1 AUD)

Prices

Wet market prices for beef remain steady, with beef knuckle selling for ₱390/kg ($10.56 AUD), while supermarket prices sit higher at ₱450/kg ($12.18 AUD). Hot beef carcass continues to trade at ₱255/kg ($6.90 AUD). Slaughter steer prices are averaging ₱126.90/kg live weight ($3.43 AUD), based on recent listings for 12-month-old males weighing 275 kg.

In the pork sector, carcass prices hold at ₱220/kg ($5.95 AUD), and live pork also holds steady at ₱166/kg ($4.49 AUD). Laman (lean pork cuts) in wet markets remains stable at ₱350/kg ($9.47 AUD).

Broiler chicken prices are unchanged, with non-branded varieties retailing at ₱170/kg ($4.60 AUD) and the branded Magnolia product holding at ₱230/kg ($6.22 AUD).

Photos: Local meat and livestock sales in Mindanao

Australia: Feeder Steers Darwin $3.40

Feeder steer prices ex-Darwin are easing in May at $3.40 AUD per kilogram live weight. Export activity has been high through April following strong Q1 demand out of Indonesia. Interest from Indonesian buyers has cooled over the last few weeks but steady buying activity is expected to continue through the coming month, particularly as cattle for Qurban continue to move through ESCAS-approved channels. The supply chain remains well balanced, with solid northern yardings meeting vessel scheduling and export orders without major bottlenecks.

Year 2025 cattle exports – comparison across SE Asian markets

Source: DAFF website