Boxed meat is not a substitute for live sheep – the supply of sheep and chilled or frozen meat often caters to distinct markets that are not interchangeable.
There is strong demand for both chilled and live animals from many countries that Australia exports to. These two trades are often complimentary due to catering to different demographics in the importing countries. Chilled meat only has a shelf life of 70 days and caters to more affluent demographics, because the cost of importing chilled and frozen meat is much more expensive than fresh meat from wet markets.
Australian sheep are in demand due to logistical difficulties in delivering and storing meat (in some markets), cultural/religious preferences, and price. There is still strong demand from the Middle East for live Australian animals and when we can’t meet this demand, it is not filled by Australian boxed meat but by live animals from Sudan, Somalia, Eastern Europe, and Asia – countries that do not share Australia’s commitment to animal welfare.