New Zealand red meat sector disappointed at tariffs move

New Zealand’s red meat sector is disappointed by the United States’ decision to impose tariffs on New Zealand exports.

“Our global markets are inter-connected and we need to take the time to fully assess the implications of any disruption to trade flows,” says Sirma Karapeeva, chief executive of the Meat Industry Association (MIA).

“However, New Zealand exporters are highly responsive to global market dynamics and maintain strong commercial relationships that enable us to adapt and remain flexible. Our exporters can also continue to trade into the US.

“New Zealand also has a robust trade strategy, built on well-established positive relationships across more than 100 markets.

“Tariffs distort trade and reduce market efficiency, ultimately forcing exporters and producers to accept lower prices while leaving consumers with fewer choices and higher costs.

“The US is a key importer and exporter of beef, therefore the US announcement is likely to impact the global beef market, for instance, exporting countries may re-direct their products to markets where New Zealand also operates.

“Furthermore, with the US beef herd at historically low levels and record domestic beef consumption, we are still expecting high demand from the US for beef, despite the tariff measures.

“New Zealand red meat exporters have undertaken significant planning to mitigate potential disruptions, maintain market positions, and navigate shifts in global trade patterns.”

Alan Thomson, chief executive of Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ), said it is unfortunate the US is imposing tariffs on New Zealand exports.

“It is too early to tell what the ultimate impact of this will be on farm-gate prices.  What is positive is that we have strong demand globally at present for red meat. 

“Our sector is resilient, and our exporters are working hard to find solutions, but trade barriers like this make it tougher for farmers to get a fair price for the high-quality meat they produce.”

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

Sam Halstead

027 474 6065

sam@latitudesc.co.nz

Red meat exports summary 2024

Top 10 overall red meat & fifth quarter markets by value, 2024
 CountryValue (NZ$m)
1United States2,772
2China2,489
3United Kingdom525
4Japan475
5Canada424
6Netherlands403
7Taiwan256
8Germany248
9Korea211
10Australia204
 Other markets1,854
 Total9,861
Top 10 sheepmeat markets by volume, 2024Top 10 sheepmeat markets by value, 2024
 CountryVolume (tonnes) CountryValue (NZ$m)
1China169,0511China956
2United Kingdom42,1832United States625
3United States34,5883United Kingdom418
4Netherlands19,9674Netherlands331
5Canada12,8775Germany209
6Germany11,5966Belgium149
7Taiwan9,0567Canada140
8Belgium8,4258France106
9France8,1949Taiwan70
10Saudi Arabia6,94010Japan70
 Other markets50,805 Other markets529
 Total373,682 Total3,605
Top 10 beef markets by volume, 2024Top 10 beef markets by value, 2024
CountryVolume (tonnes) CountryValue (NZ$m)
1United States183,0841United States1,847
2China146,9432China1,053
3Japan32,5903Japan324
4Canada28,3644Canada259
5Korea15,3995Taiwan146
6Taiwan14,5016Korea127
7Philippines10,6497Netherlands58
8Indonesia7,2728United Kingdom57
9United Kingdom4,4179Philippines53
10Saudi Arabia4,27210UAE41
 Other markets34,167 Other markets424
 Total481,657 Total4,389