Article Summary: Live export involves the transportation of livestock, typically sheep, cattle, and goats, from Australia to other countries where they will be raised, bred, or processed for meat. Australia has long been one of the world’s leaders in live animal exports. This practice, while economically significant, is not without controversy, both locally and globally. In this blog, we’ll break down how live export works and why it’s important and discuss the key markets and countries that continue to export livestock. We’ll also look at the countries that have enacted bans on live exports and explore why they’ve taken these steps.
Australia has long been one of the world’s leaders in live animal exports. This practice, while economically significant, is not without controversy, both locally and globally.
The Australian Government announced in mid-2024 that live sheep exports by sea will end on 1 May 2028. The gradual phase-out, part of the Export Control Amendment (Ending Live Sheep Exports by Sea) Act 2024, officially kicked off on 10 July 2024.
So, what does this mean for farmers?
With this blog, we’re here to set the record straight on what this change could mean economically and practically for our farms. Most of what you might have read so far has come from the louder voices of activists or the mainstream news—but we’re taking a grounded approach.
This FAQ blog covers two key points:
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The economic role of live exports and what might happen if Australia stops exporting livestock, and
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How agtech is stepping up to keep our sector both productive and ethical, bridging the gap between farming needs and animal welfare.
We’re tackling your most common questions with a “What if?” outlook—so we can stay positive that Australia’s farmers and agribusinesses will keep their place in global markets.
Still have more questions we haven’t answered here? Stay tuned for more!
Your Live Export Questions Answered
1. How Does Live Export Work?
Live export involves the transportation of livestock, typically sheep, cattle, and goats, from Australia to other countries where they will be raised, bred, or processed for meat. Here's a brief look at the journey:
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Selection and Preparation: Animals are selected based on the importing country’s requirements. They’re typically kept in export-licensed facilities where they’re checked for health and tagged for identification.
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Transportation: Animals are then loaded onto vessels designed for live transport. Ships are equipped with ventilation, feeding systems, and water supplies to maintain the animals’ welfare throughout the journey, which can range from a few days to a few weeks.
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Animal Welfare Standards: Australia mandates strict welfare standards that apply from loading to the animals' final destinations. The industry follows the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL), which sets out comprehensive requirements for the management and care of exported animals. Welfare officers are also required onboard ships to oversee the animals and ensure compliance with these standards.
2. Why Was Live Export Banned in Australia?
The debate over live exports has been ongoing, but it came to a head in 2011 with an incident involving the export of cattle to Indonesia. Video footage showing inhumane treatment of Australian cattle led to an immediate ban, which was lifted after several weeks. This event sparked a larger conversation about animal welfare and whether the industry could ever truly meet ethical standards.
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Public Pressure and Policy Changes: Since then, animal rights groups and the general public have called for changes to live export practices, particularly focusing on live sheep exports to the Middle East. In response, the government has introduced policies and regulations that aim to improve welfare standards during export journeys. However, recent government discussions suggest a move toward an eventual ban on live sheep exports, especially during the hottest parts of the year when animal welfare concerns are highest.
3. What Countries Engage in Live Exports?
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New Zealand was previously a major player in live animal exports, particularly for dairy cattle, but has recently shifted away from this industry, banning live exports by sea due to welfare concerns.
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The United States exports livestock, mostly cattle and pigs, to neighbouring countries like Canada and Mexico. The U.S. ranks high in export numbers, but most exports are intra-continental, reducing transit times and welfare risks. Canada also participates in this way.
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Brazil is one of the largest exporters of live cattle, particularly to countries in the Middle East and North Africa. The nation’s agricultural landscape, paired with high beef demand in other regions, fuels its significant role in live exports.
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France and The Netherlands are top European exporters, especially for cattle, primarily exporting within Europe and to nearby regions.
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Australia is a leading exporter of live animals globally due to its significant sheep and cattle exports. However, it ranks behind Europe’s top cattle exporters when it comes to volume and trade routes in the cattle sector specifically.
While Australia leads in live sheep exports and ranks high for cattle exports to Asia and the Middle East, France and the Netherlands dominate the cattle export sector within Europe. They mostly focus on intra-continental exports or routes to North Africa, which involve shorter transport times compared to Australia’s long-haul shipments to the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
4. How Much Money Does Australia Make from Live Exports?
Australia's live export industry is worth around AUD 1 billion annually. It’s a major contributor to the rural economy, particularly in regions where agriculture is the primary industry.
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Economic Impact: Live export supports thousands of jobs, from farmhands and transport operators to port workers and logistics coordinators. Many farmers in remote areas rely on this revenue stream, as live export offers a reliable market for livestock.
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Contribution by Animal Type: Cattle is the largest category in live export earnings, followed by sheep and goats. This revenue is critical in areas with limited processing facilities, as live export provides an alternative market.
5. What Countries Have Banned Live Animal Export?
In recent years, several countries have banned or are in the process of banning live animal exports due to ethical concerns:
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New Zealand: New Zealand led the way in banning live export by sea, prioritising animal welfare and focusing on exporting chilled and frozen meat instead.
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European Union (partial bans): Many EU countries restrict live export under certain conditions, particularly when it comes to long-haul journeys.
These bans often stem from documented welfare issues during transport. This trend toward stricter regulations reflects a growing global demand for more ethical animal treatment and the availability of technological advancements that can provide viable alternatives to live exports, like more efficient meat processing methods and international distribution.
How AgTech is Transforming the Industry
As with many sectors, technology is playing an increasingly important role in livestock exports. Agtech solutions, like satellite monitoring and automated welfare checks, are helping to transform the industry by providing real-time data that enhances animal welfare, logistics, and monitoring.
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Satellite and IoT Monitoring: Satellites can track vessels, providing valuable data on travel conditions, temperature, and more, which helps livestock exporters ensure the welfare of animals throughout the journey.
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Farm Management Software: Apps like Pasture.io’s Pio not only provide management tools for grazing and pasture health but also support farmers with record-keeping and task management, streamlining their operations. These solutions are increasingly integrated with livestock export logistics, helping farmers meet regulatory requirements while enhancing animal welfare.
The lowdown? This issue will continue to ignite conversations and action.
Live exports are a vital part of Australia’s economy and supporting rural communities. However, the ongoing debate around animal welfare and the ethical considerations surrounding live transport means the industry will continue evolving. With agtech innovations like Pasture.io’s Pio app, the future of livestock management—whether in domestic or export markets—is becoming more streamlined, efficient, and welfare-focused.
Whether you’re directly involved in live exports or looking to improve your farm’s productivity, there are solutions available to help you tackle today’s challenges while preparing for the future.
Curious about how technology is shaping the future of agriculture? Learn more about innovative tools like Pasture.io’s Pio app and discover how to simplify your farm management.
Until we meet again, Happy Farming!
- The Dedicated Team of Pasture.io, 2024-10-01