LiveCorp’s newly released State of the Industry 2025 report shows Australia exported more than 1.16 million livestock by sea and air during the year, worth almost $1.1 billion. This included 804,111 cattle, with cattle export volumes increasing by 11 per cent and their value rising by 20 per cent to more than $1.03 billion.

The NT remained Australia’s largest live cattle export jurisdiction, shipping 447,626 cattle by sea, an increase of 19 per cent on 2024 and 57 per cent of Australia’s total sea cattle exports. The Port of Darwin alone handled more than half of all cattle exported by sea nationally, reinforcing its importance as a key gateway between northern Australia and our international markets.

Indonesia remained Australia’s largest livestock export market, receiving more than 583,000 cattle by sea, an increase of nine per cent and the highest number since 2019. Almost 90 per cent of cattle exported through Darwin were destined for Indonesia, a reflection of the importance of this trading relationship. 

The strong trade was supported by good cattle availability and competitive prices across northern Australia, alongside increased demand from Indonesian feedlots ahead of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. The year also saw further market diversification, with Australian cattle returning to Mexico and Türkiye and Iraq opening as a new market for feeder and slaughter cattle.

Animal welfare results were another significant positive. The mortality rate for cattle exported by sea and air fell to a record low of 0.04 per cent, while the delivery rate for cattle shipped by sea reached 99.96 per cent. 

The report also highlights continued investment in research, training and in-market improvements. This included animal welfare and biosecurity training in Indonesia, support for local efforts to manage foot and mouth disease and lumpy skin disease, and practical trials to improve cattle footing during unloading and transport.

Community confidence in the trade is also strengthening. Eighty-nine per cent of Australians surveyed recognised livestock exports as an important part of Australian agriculture, while 80 per cent agreed the industry makes an important contribution to the country.

For the Territory, these results reflect the hard work of pastoral businesses, exporters, stock handlers, veterinarians, transporters and port workers who support a productive and dependable trade while continuing to deliver strong animal welfare outcomes.