For the December–February quarter (¢/kg liveweight), WA is averaging 305¢/kg LW in 2026 YTD – just 82% of the national benchmark.
Two years ago, it was 64%.
Yes, the gap is narrowing.
But WA continues to trade at a clear and measurable discount to both national and eastern state processing markets.
Meanwhile, eastern states are largely capturing full value from national pricing strength.
So the question is no longer whether the disparity exists — the data confirms it.
The real question is: Is this a temporary lag… or a structurally different pricing environment for WA producers?
If the latter, what meaningfully changes it? More competition? Stronger live export pull? Greater interstate flow? More disciplined forward pricing?
The discount is real.
The improvement is gradual.
The conversation now needs to be deliberate.