Australia Falls Out of the Top 10 Global Music Markets for the First Time in Decades

Australia has fallen out of the top 10 global music markets for the first time in nearly three decades, according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry’s (IFPI) latest Global Music Report.

The annual report, released this week, ranks the world’s largest music markets based on recorded music revenues, with the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom retaining their long-standing dominance in the top three positions. However, for the first time since at least 1996, Australia is absent from the top 10, with Mexico overtaking it to claim the final spot.

Despite this shift, recorded music revenues in Australia continue to rise. The IFPI report states that revenues in Australasia reached $629 million in 2024, reflecting a 6.4% increase, with Australia specifically seeing a 6.1% boost. Similarly, New Zealand experienced a 7.8% revenue increase. Yet, these figures were not enough to maintain Australia’s position in the ranking, as markets like Mexico saw even more rapid growth, with a 15.6% increase, while Brazil, now ranked ninth, grew by a staggering 21.7%.

Historically, Australia has been a formidable player in the global music industry, reaching as high as No. 6 on the IFPI’s ranking in 2004 and holding that position again from 2007 to 2015. In recent years, however, the country has hovered on the edge of the top 10 before finally dropping out in 2024.

This decline raises questions about the factors influencing Australia’s global standing. While growth remains steady, the rapid expansion of emerging markets suggests a shift in industry investment and audience engagement. Countries like Mexico and Brazil have seen increased investment in A&R, marketing, and local talent development, contributing to their rising influence on the international stage.

The IFPI’s Global Market Overview offers an optimistic outlook overall, noting that worldwide music revenues increased for the tenth consecutive year, growing 4.8% to a total of $29.6 billion. “The growth tells a story of an industry that continues to evolve and adapt around the world – with every region experiencing growth,” the report states.

However, the challenge for Australia lies in securing a stronger foothold in the global landscape amid this evolving market. Recent figures from ARIA indicate six consecutive years of revenue growth in Australia’s recorded music sector, but the nation’s industry leaders may need to explore new strategies to regain their competitive edge. Increased investment in local artists, a greater push for international market penetration, and innovations in streaming and digital distribution could all be key to Australia reclaiming its spot in the global top 10.

The full IFPI Global Music Report is available for review, providing further insights into the shifts shaping the industry in 2025.