Australian live cattle exports totaled 265,659 head in the first half of 2026, down 29% from the 375,466 head shipped in the same period last year, Beef Central reported.
Part of the decline was due to the earlier timing of Ramadan and Lebaran, which this year took place between February and March. As a result, a significant share of the cattle required for the festival period was shipped in the closing months of 2025 rather than during the first quarter of this year.
However, Beef Central said that “the trade is also being affected by sharply higher Australian cattle prices, rising feed and fuel costs, the weaker rupiah and Indonesian government limits on the prices at which feedlots can sell finished cattle.”
Feeder steers in Darwin, northern Australia, are trading at around A¢430 per kilo liveweight, compared with approximately A¢345 a year ago. Since Indonesian importers purchase cattle in US dollars, the depreciation of the local currency has significantly increased the cost of the transactions.
In addition, weak consumption is making it difficult to place cattle imported in April that are now coming out of feedlots as market-ready stock. Trade sources told Beef Central that discounts are taking place and some buyers are seeking extended payment terms due to slow sales and cash-flow constraints.
Indonesia received 204,526 head during the first half, accounting for 77% of Australia’s live cattle exports. It was followed by the Philippines, with 16,314 head; Türkiye, with 11,599; and China, with 8,007.
Despite weaker Indonesian demand, northern Australian live export steer prices rose from A¢400 to A¢440 per kilo liveweight during July. The increase was driven by competition from domestic restockers, backgrounders and feedlots, as well as good pasture conditions that have allowed producers to retain cattle and add weight.
The next major test will come in October, when demand is expected to begin for cattle to be placed on feed for the 2027 Ramadan and Lebaran period, which will run from early February to early March.
