Browse Data and Analysis

A large portion of Australia’s winter cropping area is well-positioned, heading into the forecast year. In New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia, early seasonal conditions are favorable, indicating potential for strong wheat and barley production.

Australia’s sugar production is forecast to decline to 3.8 million metric tons (MMT) in marketing year (MY) 2025/26, down from an estimated 3.85 MMT in MY 2024/25, marking the lowest level of production in over a decade.

Australian oilseed production, dominated by canola, is expected to be strong for the fifth consecutive season during the marketing year (MY) 2025/26.

After four successive years of big cotton crop production in Australia, the forecast for marketing year (MY) 2025/26 falls to 4.1 million bales, 13 percent above the previous 10-year average.

For marketing year (MY) 2025/26, Post forecasts a slight increase in cotton imports due to increasing demand in the ready-made garments industry.

For marketing year (MY) 2025/26, Post forecasts lower rice imports than in MY 2024/25, assuming higher production based on favorable weather. Demand for wheat continues to increase and Post forecasts slightly higher imports for MY 2025/26 to align with demand.

Australia's 2025 Federal Budget allocates significant funds to support and grow the agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors, with measures focused on climate resilience, trade, and food security, including funding for drought preparedness, emissions reduction, and market access.

Australian beef production and exports are forecast to reach record levels in 2025, building on the record export results achieved in 2024. This situation is similar to 2014 and 2015, when strong U.S. demand was driven by herd rebuilding leading to similar peaks in beef production and exports for Australia.

The installation of Bangladesh’s Interim Government in August 2024, has led to a renewed focus on macroeconomic stability, which will enable increased exports to the market as restrictions on Letters of Credit ease as foreign currency reserves stabilize.

A major driver of Australia's manufacturing sector is its food, beverage, and grocery industries, which account for a third of all activity. Recent growth has been strong, with an 11% increase in turnover to US$107 billion in 2022-23.

According to Australian law, the excise duty rates levied on alcohol are subject to biannual indexation, with adjustments made in accordance with the upward trajectory of the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Australian wheat and barley producers faced challenges during difficult seasonal conditions in most major production regions.