
Australia exports live animals to at least 17 countries, with Indonesia being the largest market, purchasing almost three-quarters of a million live cattle each year. Other countries that import live animals from Australia include Vietnam, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Yemen, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, and four other Middle Eastern countries. In addition to live animals, Australia's major exports include iron ore, coal, gold, petroleum, food, wine, and cars. The country's exports are valued at $234 billion, making it the 20th largest export economy globally.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Information | 2016 |
| Total Number of Countries Australia Exports Live Animals To | 17 |
| Top 5 Countries | Indonesia, Kuwait, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Qatar |
| Number of Live Cattle Exported to Vietnam | 300,000 |
| Number of Live Cattle Exported to Indonesia | 750,000 |
| Number of Live Sheep Exported to Middle Eastern Countries | Hundreds of thousands |
| Possible Additional Countries | Yemen, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Iran |
| Value of Live Exports | $1.8 billion |
| Percentage of Meat Export Revenue | 14% |
| Australia's Main Export | Iron Ore |
| Australia's Other Notable Exports | Coal, Gold, Petroleum, Food, Wine, Cars, Bovine Meat, Inorganic Chemicals, Wheat and Cereals |
| Largest Export Partners in 2022 | N/A |
| Top 5 Export Partners in 2024 | India |
| Top Import Sources in 2022 | N/A |
| Largest Import Partners | China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, United States |
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What You'll Learn
- Indonesia, Vietnam and other Southeast Asian nations
- Middle Eastern countries, including Kuwait and Bahrain
- China, Australia's largest export partner for education-related travel services
- India, with a $0.5 billion increase in trade with Australia in 2024
- The United States, accounting for 10% of Australia's import origins

Indonesia, Vietnam and other Southeast Asian nations
Indonesia and Vietnam are two of the most important markets for Australian live exports, particularly for cattle. In August 2023, 24,470 cattle were exported to Indonesia, despite the suspension of four quarantine yards by the Indonesian government, which was only lifted at the beginning of that month. This made Indonesia the largest market for Australian live cattle exports that month. Vietnam is the second-largest market for Australian live cattle exports. In August 2023, exports to Vietnam rose by 224% year-on-year to 13,947 head of cattle. This increase has been driven by a shift in trading patterns, with breeder cattle exports making up 27% of total exports to Vietnam, while feeder cattle exports have decreased to 9%.
Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 recognises the increasing importance of the Southeast Asian region as a market for Australian exports. Between 2018 and 2022, the value of Australia's resource exports to Southeast Asia grew from $15.7 billion to $31.3 billion. This growth is expected to continue, with the value of digital financial services revenue in Southeast Asia projected to reach $38 billion in 2025, up from $11 billion in 2019.
In addition to Indonesia and Vietnam, other Southeast Asian nations that Australia exports live cattle to include Malaysia and the Philippines. While the volume of exports to these countries may be lower than to Indonesia and Vietnam, they still represent important markets for Australian livestock producers.
Overall, Southeast Asia is a crucial region for Australian live exports, and the increasing demand for Australian cattle in the region bodes well for the industry's future.
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Middle Eastern countries, including Kuwait and Bahrain
Australia exports live animals to several countries in the Middle East, including Kuwait and Bahrain. The trade to these countries is primarily focused on sheep, which are transported by sea from Fremantle Port in Western Australia. The journey to Kuwait takes about two weeks, and the sheep are kept in pens on board the ship, where they eat, sleep, and defecate.
There has been some controversy surrounding the live export of sheep to Kuwait. In 2024, reports emerged of sick and blind sheep being unloaded from ships, with Australian exporters supplying sheep despite knowing that they would be transported in car boots and subjected to suffocating heat. This led to investigations and legal challenges against the industry.
In the case of Bahrain, Australia suspended live exports in 2012 due to a breach of the Memorandum of Understanding. This resulted in the culling of 21,000 sheep that were stranded in Pakistan. However, in 2014, Australia and Bahrain reached an agreement to resume live export trade, with both countries agreeing on health protocols for sheep exports.
The live export trade to Middle Eastern countries, including Kuwait and Bahrain, has faced criticism and scrutiny due to concerns over animal welfare and the treatment of sheep during transportation and upon arrival. Despite this, the trade continues, driven by the demand for high-quality, Halal-certified, and disease-free Australian sheep meat in these countries.
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China, Australia's largest export partner for education-related travel services
China is Australia's largest two-way trading partner, accounting for 26% of Australia's goods and services trade with the world in 2023-24. Two-way trade with China increased by 2.6% in 2023-24, totalling $325 billion. Australia's services exports to China were valued at A$5.5 billion in 2009 and have been growing at an average annual rate of 18% over the past five years. In 2009, China surpassed Japan to become Australia's largest export market, with total merchandise exports to China valued at A$42.4 billion, a rise of 31.2% from the previous year.
China is also Australia's largest source of imports, with China's total merchandise exports to Australia valued at A$35.8 billion in 2009, a 1.5% increase from the previous year. Major imports from China include clothing, communications equipment, computers, prams, toys, games and sporting goods, furniture, and televisions.
In 2024, China was the largest export partner for education-related travel services, accounting for 24.7% of the total. China rose $1,591 million (14.3%) to $12,710 million in education-related travel services exports. This exceeded the pre-pandemic level from 2019 by 28.6%.
The Australia-China bilateral relationship is based on strong economic and trade complementarities, as well as longstanding community and cultural links. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1972, and Australia opened an embassy in Beijing in 1973. In 2014, the Australian Prime Minister and Chinese President agreed to describe the relationship as a "comprehensive strategic partnership", reflecting its breadth.
Chinese tourism to Australia is supported through online visa applications, priority processing, and access to Australia's SmartGate. The recommencement of the Approved Destination Status (ADS) scheme allows Chinese nationals to visit Australia on a tour organised by approved travel agents. Community and cultural links continue to develop strongly and play a vital role in the Australia-China relationship. Australians of Chinese heritage foster people-to-people links with China, and immigration, education, trade, and tourism bolster these ties.
Australia and China are parties to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP), and the China–Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), which entered into force in 2015, has enhanced Australia's competitive position in the Chinese market, boosting economic growth and creating jobs.
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India, with a $0.5 billion increase in trade with Australia in 2024
Australia's trade with India is expected to increase by $0.5 billion in 2024, making India one of Australia's top five trade partners. This surge in trade is a result of the Australia-India free trade agreement, which came into force on 29 December 2022. The agreement has significantly boosted agricultural exports to India, with products like sheep meat, seafood, broad beans, citrus fruits, and almonds seeing substantial increases. In addition, most industrial exports to India have risen by around 30%, including pharmaceuticals, wood and paper, and cochlear implants.
The Australia-India trade agreement has strengthened the economic relationship between the two countries, making it easier to trade goods and services. This has opened up new opportunities for Australian businesses to diversify into growing markets, as noted by the Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell. The agreement has also provided cost-of-living relief and created jobs in Australia.
From 1 January 2024, Australian exports to India are expected to become even more competitive due to additional tariff cuts on high-quality Australian products. These include items such as seafood, cherries, sandalwood, and wine. The conclusion of the next trade agreement, the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), is expected to further enhance trade between the two countries, particularly in areas like digital trade.
The increase in trade with India is part of Australia's overall positive trade performance in 2024. Despite a slight decrease in total goods and services exports, Australia maintained a surplus in its balance of goods and services, with exports exceeding imports. This trade surplus contributes to Australia's economic growth and stability, highlighting the importance of strong trade relationships with countries like India.
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The United States, accounting for 10% of Australia's import origins
Australia's economy relies heavily on its coastal regions, with the country being the 20th largest exporter of commodities globally. Australia exports live animals to at least 17 countries, with Indonesia being the largest market for exports, purchasing almost three-quarters of a million live cattle each year. Australia's Asian neighbours in the Middle East, including Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, are also significant importers of Australian live sheep.
In addition to live animals, Australia's other notable exports include iron ore, coal, gold, petroleum, food, wine, and cars. The United States is a significant trading partner for Australia, accounting for 10% of its import origins. While the United States is a key market for Australian exports, it only represents 3.5% of Australia's export destinations. In 2024, the United States remained Australia's largest services imports partner, accounting for 25.2% of total services imports. This included a range of services such as travel, education, and personal-related travel.
The United States is an important market for Australian exports, particularly in the services sector. Australia's exports to the United States contribute significantly to the country's overall economy and trade relationships. The two countries have a strong trading relationship, with the United States being a consistent and reliable partner for Australia in terms of both imports and exports. This mutually beneficial relationship has likely led to increased economic growth and opportunities for both nations.
In addition to the United States, Australia has diverse import origins, with several countries contributing significantly to its import market. China is the largest, accounting for 24% of total import origins, followed by South Korea at 9.3%, Japan at 8.2%, and Thailand at 5.3%. These countries play a crucial role in supplying goods and services to Australia, contributing to the country's economic growth and development.
Australia's diverse trading relationships, including with the United States, have helped the country maintain a strong position in the global market. The United States, as a major economy, plays a significant role in Australia's import sector, and their partnership has likely contributed to mutual economic benefits and opportunities for businesses and consumers in both countries.
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Frequently asked questions
The United States of America, accounting for 25.2% of the total services imports.
Indonesia, which buys almost three-quarters of a million live cattle each year.
Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Vietnam.
The United States, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Singapore, New Zealand, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Germany, Turkey, and Brazil.











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