Indonesia Becomes a Major Player in Australian Beef Exports

Indonesia has rapidly become a key market for Australian beef, particularly in boxed beef exports, while also maintaining its position as Australia's largest live cattle export destination. Over the past 18 months, Australian boxed beef exports to Indonesia have surged, with October 2024 setting an all-time high of 11,026 tonnes, nearly double the previous year’s volume. This increase reflects both a rising demand for premium meats and strong economic growth in Indonesia, driven by its expanding middle class and shifting consumer preferences.

While boxed beef exports have grown significantly, live cattle exports to Indonesia have remained robust, with September 2024 exports reaching 31,099 head. 2% above the five-year average. These two sectors are thriving in parallel, fueled by increased demand for both high quality cuts and live cattle for local processing.

Several factors have contributed to the surge in boxed beef exports, including additional import permits from the Indonesian government, delays in shipments of Indian buffalo meat, and an expansion in cold storage infrastructure, which has enabled Indonesia to handle larger volumes of perishable goods. The country's growing appetite for premium beef, including Wagyu and marbled grain fed cuts, has been particularly notable in the hotel and restaurant sector.

Despite the growth of modern retail channels like supermarkets and online platforms, wet markets remain the dominant source of beef for many Indonesian consumers. This mix of traditional and modern retail continues to shape Indonesia's evolving beef market.

Looking ahead, the continued expansion of cold storage and import permits, along with Indonesia’s increasing demand for high-quality beef, positions Australia’s beef exporters for sustained success in this key market.