As part of the Finocchiaro CLP Government's Rebuilding the Economy Strategy, the Northern Territory is strengthening its position as Australia's leading live export gateway, with agriculture a key priority to drive jobs and growth.
The Territory's live cattle export industry has delivered its strongest performance in more than a decade under the CLP, reinforcing Darwin's role as the nation's live export hub and delivering real economic benefits for regional and remote communities.
In 2025, 447,620 head of cattle were exported through Darwin Port, an increase of 18% on the year before. Of those, 70% were produced in the Northern Territory.
Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Gerard Maley said the results prove what can be achieved when government and industry work together with a clear focus on growth and market access.
"Live export volumes are at their highest level in a decade.
"The Territory produced 40% of Australia's live cattle exports, and 57% of the national trade moved through Darwin Port," Mr Maley said.
"This is a strong vote of confidence in Territory producers, exporters and supply chains, and all part of our plan to rebuild the economy," Mr Maley said.
Darwin Port recorded a 23.5 per cent increase in overall trade last financial year, with live cattle exports a major contributor to that growth, supporting jobs, investment and economic activity across regional and remote communities.
Northern Territory Livestock Exporters Association CEO Patrick Moran said the future of the cattle export industry is extremely bright.
"Research has shown that every extra $1 generated by the cattle industry, generates an additional 50 cents of benefit to the broader Territory economy. A stronger cattle export industry underpins a stronger Territory."
The Territory also recorded significant growth in buffalo exports, which climbed 57 per cent to 7,284 head, the highest volume in three years, while cattle prices remained strong throughout 2025, with feeder cattle finishing the year at $4.55/kg, up from $3.55/kg at the start of the year.
Mr Maley said Indonesia continued to be the Territory's dominant live export market, receiving more than 90 per cent of cattle shipped through Darwin Port, and recent engagement had strengthened long-standing trade relationships.
"Indonesia has signalled strong interest in expanding live cattle imports to support its national food security priorities, and the Territory is well placed to meet that demand," Mr Maley said.
"To support this growth, I led a delegation of pastoral industry representatives and government officials to Indonesia last October to strengthen relationships, identify new opportunities and ensure the Territory remains a preferred supplier."
That engagement was reinforced in December, when the Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Dr Siswo Pramono, led a delegation of senior officials from Indonesia's Ministry of Agriculture to the Northern Territory to further deepen cooperation and strengthen agricultural trade ties.
Mr Maley said the CLP Government would continue working closely with industry to grow and diversify export markets.
"We are actively pursuing new opportunities in emerging markets including Vietnam, Malaysia and Timor-Leste, while continuing to strengthen our key partnerships," he said.
"A stronger live export industry underpins a stronger Territory economy. It creates jobs, attracts investment and delivers real benefits for Territorians right across the supply chain."
"These results reflect the commitment and cooperation of producers, exporters and industry partners, and they position the Territory's pastoral sector for continued growth into 2026 and beyond."
