Why Australia, not Brazil, may be Irish beef's biggest threat

Historically, Ireland supplied nearly 80% of UK beef imports. But after the UK-Australia and UK-New Zealand Free Trade Agreements, and growth in Brazilian imports, Ireland’s market share fell to 67% in 2025

In the longer term, it is probably Australian beef that will most threaten Ireland’s dominant share of beef imported into the UK.

Brazil is the bogey-man for Irish cattle farmers, but it may be the world’s other top beef exporter, Australia, that hurts them hardest.

When Irish beef exports to the UK fell from 51,000t to 44,000t in the first quarter of 2026, imports increased from Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil to fill the gap.