News

The past year has seen an impressive strengthening in global demand and prices for lamb and mutton, led by strong sales into North America and the Middle East, along with other important markets in China, South-East Asia and Europe. A somewhat restricted supply in Australia and New Zealand has helped to secure higher prices for both lamb and mutton, allowing for significantly higher livestock prices in 2025.

A competitive Australian dollar exchange rate has helped returns, with the currency ranging from 62 cents to over 66 cents. The outlook for the A$ is difficult to predict, though with recent signals of fewer interest rate cuts in Australia, and potential for higher rates, some of the banks are calling the dollar higher in 2026.

North America continues to drive strong demand for our lamb, and another solid year is predicted for the year ahead, aided by our close cooperation with our US and Canadian based partners, and our fellow shareholders in the Australian and New Zealand Lamb Company.

The Middle East is displaying ongoing growth with sales and prices lifting again to this region. Shipping to ports in the Red Sea is still experiencing disruption, though some shipping lines have recommenced operations, allowing for some of WAMMCO’s important trade to resume.

Chinese demand has been tempered by high prices and weaker consumer confidence this year. We have seen a significant shift in the sales of mutton products away from China and into the Middle East where returns have been higher. Despite this, China continues to be extremely important to the Australian sheepmeat industry and provides some of the best returns for specific cuts of lamb and mutton.

Europe and UK have provided improved options for high value cuts this year with increased sales recorded into the UK under the Free Trade Agreement. However, the EU is still restricted by tight quotas on the import of sheepmeat. Government trade envoys continue to push for a relaxation of quotas, and there is some optimism for a favourable outcome in the coming 1-2 years.

In the year ahead we expect to see continuing strong demand for our premium WAMMCO branded products through our well-established network of customers around the world.

Kind regards,

Damien Giumelli
Marketing Manager